CVE-2024-9266: Open Redirect Vulnerability in Express 3.x

A medium-severity vulnerability has been discovered in Express 3: CVE-2024-9266. This vulnerability impacts how the location() method in the Express response object handles user-controlled input, allowing attackers to potentially redirect users to malicious websites.

CVE-2024-9266

This vulnerability affects Express versions:

• 3.4.5 to 3.21.2

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability arises when Express’s location() method processes certain URL paths. Specifically, if a request path begins with // and a user-controlled relative path starting with ./ is passed into the location() function, it can result in an open redirect.

For example, a request with a path like //example.com can be interpreted by browsers as a valid URL, potentially redirecting users to malicious websites. This flaw is especially concerning for applications that rely on user input for redirects, as attackers could exploit it to conduct phishing attacks or lead users to harmful content.

For more technical details, refer to the official CVE-2024-9266 entry in the Vulnerability Directory.

Mitigation for CVE-2024-9266

A fix for the CVE-2024-9266 vulnerability is now available in Express NES 3.21.4. Users are encouraged to apply the update to avoid potential exploitation:

• For Express 3.x, upgrade to Express 4 or newer.
• Leverage Express Never-Ending Support (NES) from HeroDevs to ensure continuous security and maintenance for your end-of-life Express 3 applications. With Express NES, you can receive the latest security patches, like the fix for CVE-2024-9266, without needing to undergo migrations to Express 4.

Why Upgrade with HeroDevs?

HeroDevs provides long-term support for Express, including security updates and patches for end-of-life software like Express 3. With Never-Ending Support (NES), businesses can ensure their legacy Express applications remain secure, compliant, and stable.

Key benefits of Express NES include:

• Security Updates: Ongoing patches for vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-9266.
• Drop-in Replacements: Simple updates that integrate seamlessly into existing applications.
• Compliance Assurance: Ensuring your apps meet regulatory standards like FedRAMP, HIPAA, and SOC 2.
• Expert Support: Backed by a team of experts with deep knowledge of deprecated software and Express.

Conclusion

The CVE-2024-9266 vulnerability poses a security risk for Express 3 applications by allowing open redirects through improper handling of user input. Immediate action is required to mitigate this issue by upgrading to the latest supported version.

For organizations still using end-of-life Express versions, HeroDevs' Never-Ending Support provides a reliable, long-term solution to maintain the security of your applications.

Contact the HeroDevs team to learn more.