The qs package, a querystring parser for Node.js and browsers, saw its initial release with version 0.0.1, marking the beginning of its journey as a utility for handling URL query strings. This primitive version, released in February 2011, provided a foundational capability for parsing querystrings. Given the absence of data for the previous stable version (undefined), we can only analyze the characteristics of this inaugural release.
As the very first iteration, version 0.0.1 likely offered a basic implementation of querystring parsing, converting URL query strings into JavaScript objects for easier manipulation and access to parameter values. Its small size and single purpose probably allowed for quick integration into projects. The package information highlights TJ Holowaychuk, a prominent figure in the Node.js community, as the author, lending credibility to the initial release.
However, developers considering using even a later version of qs should acknowledge that version 0.0.1 would inevitably lack the refinements, performance optimizations, and feature enhancements found in subsequent releases. Modern versions of qs offer significantly more robust parsing capabilities, support for complex nested objects within query strings, and mitigation against potential security vulnerabilities that may not have been addressed in this early iteration. Consequently, while 0.0.1 represents the package's origin, developers are strongly advised to favor more recent and actively maintained versions for production environments to ensure stability, security, and optimal performance. Using newer versions guarantees access to bug fixes, security patches, and improved features developed over years of community contributions, making handling URL query strings more efficient and reliable.
All the vulnerabilities related to the version 0.0.1 of the package
Denial-of-Service Extended Event Loop Blocking in qs
Versions prior to 1.0.0 of qs are affected by a denial of service vulnerability that results from excessive recursion in parsing a deeply nested JSON string.
Update to version 1.0.0 or later
Denial-of-Service Memory Exhaustion in qs
Versions prior to 1.0 of qs are affected by a denial of service condition. This condition is triggered by parsing a crafted string that deserializes into very large sparse arrays, resulting in the process running out of memory and eventually crashing.
Update to version 1.0.0 or later.
Prototype Pollution Protection Bypass in qs
Affected version of qs are vulnerable to Prototype Pollution because it is possible to bypass the protection. The qs.parse function fails to properly prevent an object's prototype to be altered when parsing arbitrary input. Input containing [ or ] may bypass the prototype pollution protection and alter the Object prototype. This allows attackers to override properties that will exist in all objects, which may lead to Denial of Service or Remote Code Execution in specific circumstances.
Upgrade to 6.0.4, 6.1.2, 6.2.3, 6.3.2 or later.
qs vulnerable to Prototype Pollution
qs before 6.10.3 allows attackers to cause a Node process hang because an __ proto__ key can be used. In many typical web framework use cases, an unauthenticated remote attacker can place the attack payload in the query string of the URL that is used to visit the application, such as a[__proto__]=b&a[__proto__]&a[length]=100000000. The fix was backported to qs 6.9.7, 6.8.3, 6.7.3, 6.6.1, 6.5.3, 6.4.1, 6.3.3, and 6.2.4.
