CVE-2025-58754: Upgrade Axios To Prevent DoS Attack

by Alex Johnson 52 views

This article addresses a critical security vulnerability, CVE-2025-58754, detected in version 0.19.2 of the popular axios library. This vulnerability could lead to a denial-of-service (DoS) attack. We will delve into the details of this vulnerability, its potential impact, and the recommended steps to mitigate the risk.

Understanding the Vulnerability

The vulnerability resides in how axios handles data: URIs when running on Node.js. Specifically, versions prior to 0.30.2 and 1.12.0 are susceptible. When axios encounters a URL with the data: scheme, instead of making an HTTP request, it decodes the entire payload into memory. This process bypasses the maxContentLength and maxBodyLength configurations, which are designed to protect against large HTTP responses. An attacker can exploit this by providing a large data: URI, causing the Node.js process to allocate excessive memory, potentially leading to a crash and a denial of service. The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) system provides a reference for publicly known cybersecurity vulnerabilities. It serves as a standardized naming convention for vulnerabilities, facilitating clear communication and collaboration among security professionals, researchers, and vendors. Each CVE entry includes a unique identifier, a description of the vulnerability, affected products, and references to related information such as patches and advisories. By assigning unique identifiers to vulnerabilities, CVE enables organizations to track and manage security risks effectively, prioritize remediation efforts, and ensure that systems are protected against known threats. This standardization is essential for maintaining a secure computing environment and fostering cooperation within the cybersecurity community. The CVE-2025-58754 vulnerability has a severity score of 7.5, indicating a high level of risk.

Impact of CVE-2025-58754

The potential impact of this vulnerability is significant. A successful exploit can lead to:

  • Denial of Service (DoS): By exhausting the server's memory resources, an attacker can render the application unavailable to legitimate users.
  • Application Instability: The excessive memory allocation can cause the application to become unstable and potentially crash.
  • Resource Exhaustion: The vulnerability can be exploited to consume server resources, impacting other applications running on the same infrastructure.

Imagine a scenario where a malicious actor crafts a specially designed data: URI and sends it to your application. If your application uses a vulnerable version of axios, it will attempt to decode the entire payload into memory. If the payload is large enough, it can quickly exhaust the available memory, causing the application to crash. This can disrupt your services and potentially lead to data loss or corruption. The severity of CVE-2025-58754 is classified as high due to the potential for significant impact. A successful exploit can disrupt services, lead to application instability, and exhaust server resources, highlighting the importance of promptly addressing this vulnerability.

Affected Library: axios-0.19.2

The vulnerable library is axios-0.19.2.tgz, a promise-based HTTP client widely used in both browser and Node.js environments. It's crucial to check your project's dependencies to determine if you are using this vulnerable version. The library is available at https://registry.npmjs.org/axios/-/axios-0.19.2.tgz.

The dependency hierarchy of your project needs to be examined to ensure that axios-0.19.2 isn't a transitive dependency. Even if your project doesn't directly depend on axios-0.19.2, it might be included as a dependency of another library you're using. Understanding the dependency tree is essential for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities effectively. Ignoring transitive dependencies can leave your application vulnerable, even if you've updated your direct dependencies.

Recommended Solution: Upgrade Axios

The recommended solution is to upgrade axios to version 1.12.0 or later. This version includes a patch that addresses the vulnerability. Upgrading will prevent the unbounded memory allocation issue when handling data: URIs.

How to Upgrade

  • Using npm: npm install axios@latest
  • Using yarn: yarn add axios@latest

After upgrading, thoroughly test your application to ensure that the changes haven't introduced any regressions. Pay close attention to areas where axios is used to handle data from external sources. In addition to upgrading the library, consider implementing additional security measures to protect your application from malicious input. Input validation and sanitization can help prevent attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in your code. Regular security audits and penetration testing can also help identify and address potential security risks.

Detailed Vulnerability Information

  • Vulnerability: Unbounded memory allocation when handling data: URIs.
  • Description: When axios runs on Node.js and encounters a URL with the data: scheme, it decodes the entire payload into memory without respecting maxContentLength or maxBodyLength limits.
  • Impact: Denial of Service (DoS).
  • Affected Versions: axios versions prior to 0.30.2 and 1.12.0.
  • Fixed Versions: axios versions 0.30.2 and 1.12.0 and later.
  • Publish Date: September 12, 2025.
  • Reference URL: https://www.mend.io/vulnerability-database/CVE-2025-58754
  • CVSS Score: 7.5 (High).

This vulnerability highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest security patches for your dependencies. Regularly reviewing your dependencies and updating them to the latest versions can help protect your application from known vulnerabilities. Additionally, consider using a dependency management tool that can automatically identify and alert you to potential security risks. Proactive security measures are essential for maintaining a secure and reliable application. The vulnerability details provide valuable insights into the nature of the threat. Understanding the mechanics of the vulnerability enables developers to implement effective mitigation strategies and prevent future occurrences.

Fix Details

The fix resolution confirms that upgrading to axios version 1.12.0 or later effectively addresses the vulnerability. This upgrade includes the necessary changes to properly handle data: URIs and prevent unbounded memory allocation. It's crucial to apply this fix promptly to protect your application from potential attacks. Delaying the upgrade can leave your application vulnerable to exploitation, potentially resulting in service disruptions and data breaches. Staying informed about security advisories and promptly applying recommended fixes is a fundamental aspect of maintaining a secure computing environment.

Conclusion

CVE-2025-58754 is a serious vulnerability that can lead to a denial-of-service attack. If you are using axios-0.19.2 or an earlier vulnerable version, it is crucial to upgrade to version 1.12.0 or later as soon as possible. By taking this step, you can protect your application from potential exploitation and ensure its continued availability and stability. Remember to always stay informed about the latest security vulnerabilities and apply necessary patches promptly.

For more information on security best practices, visit OWASP.