Mocha, a popular and versatile JavaScript test framework, released version 6.2.1 as a minor update following 6.2.0. While both versions share the same core functionality and "simple, flexible, fun" approach to testing, a closer look reveals subtle improvements beneficial to developers.
The primary difference lies in the updated dependencies. In the newer 6.2.1, yargs advances to version 13.3.0 from 13.2.2, and yargs-parser moves to version 13.1.1 from 13.0.0. These updates within the yargs family suggest refinements in command-line argument parsing, potentially offering developers more robust and predictable handling of command-line inputs for test configurations and execution. Although seemingly minor, such dependency upgrades can enhance stability and address edge cases related to command-line interactions. Such updates often contain security patches or performance enhancements, contributing to a more reliable testing environment.
Beyond these dependency tweaks, both versions maintain the same robust suite of development dependencies, confirming a continued commitment to code quality and developer experience. Tools like ESLint, Prettier, and Remark ensure code consistency and readability, while Browserify and Karma facilitate browser-based testing. The presence of testing libraries like Chai, Sinon, and Unexpected emphasizes a focus on thorough and expressive test writing. Choosing between 6.2.0 and 6.2.1 depends on the importance of having the absolute latest yargs features and fixes, otherwise, both versions provide a solid foundation for JavaScript testing. These granular updates ultimately contribute to a smoother, more reliable testing experience for developers using Mocha.
All the vulnerabilities related to the version 6.2.1 of the package
Regular Expression Denial of Service in debug
Affected versions of debug are vulnerable to regular expression denial of service when untrusted user input is passed into the o formatter.
As it takes 50,000 characters to block the event loop for 2 seconds, this issue is a low severity issue.
This was later re-introduced in version v3.2.0, and then repatched in versions 3.2.7 and 4.3.1.
Version 2.x.x: Update to version 2.6.9 or later. Version 3.1.x: Update to version 3.1.0 or later. Version 3.2.x: Update to version 3.2.7 or later. Version 4.x.x: Update to version 4.3.1 or later.
Prototype Pollution in minimist
Affected versions of minimist are vulnerable to prototype pollution. Arguments are not properly sanitized, allowing an attacker to modify the prototype of Object, causing the addition or modification of an existing property that will exist on all objects.
Parsing the argument --__proto__.y=Polluted adds a y property with value Polluted to all objects. The argument --__proto__=Polluted raises and uncaught error and crashes the application.
This is exploitable if attackers have control over the arguments being passed to minimist.
Upgrade to versions 0.2.1, 1.2.3 or later.
Prototype Pollution in minimist
Minimist prior to 1.2.6 and 0.2.4 is vulnerable to Prototype Pollution via file index.js, function setKey() (lines 69-95).
minimatch ReDoS vulnerability
A vulnerability was found in the minimatch package. This flaw allows a Regular Expression Denial of Service (ReDoS) when calling the braceExpand function with specific arguments, resulting in a Denial of Service.
yargs-parser Vulnerable to Prototype Pollution
Affected versions of yargs-parser are vulnerable to prototype pollution. Arguments are not properly sanitized, allowing an attacker to modify the prototype of Object, causing the addition or modification of an existing property that will exist on all objects.
Parsing the argument --foo.__proto__.bar baz' adds a bar property with value baz to all objects. This is only exploitable if attackers have control over the arguments being passed to yargs-parser.
Upgrade to versions 13.1.2, 15.0.1, 18.1.1 or later.
flat vulnerable to Prototype Pollution
flat helps flatten/unflatten nested Javascript objects. A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in hughsk flat up to 5.0.0. This affects the function unflatten of the file index.js. The manipulation leads to improperly controlled modification of object prototype attributes ('prototype pollution'). It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. Upgrading to version 5.0.1 can address this issue. The name of the patch is 20ef0ef55dfa028caddaedbcb33efbdb04d18e13. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The identifier VDB-216777 was assigned to this vulnerability.
