Qs version 1.0.0 marks a significant evolution from its predecessor, version 0.6.6, offering enhanced capabilities for developers working with query strings in JavaScript environments. While version 0.6.6 primarily focused on basic querystring parsing, the newer version introduces crucial functionalities like nesting and array support, addressing more complex data structures commonly encountered in web applications. This is a major upgrade for developers handling intricate URL parameters.
One key distinction lies in the package's core purpose. Version 1.0.0 touts its ability to handle nesting and arrays within query strings, complete with a customizable depth limit. This provides developers fine-grained control over parsing, preventing potential performance bottlenecks and security vulnerabilities associated with excessively deep nesting. The previous version was also created by TJ Holowaychuk while the 1.0.0 version was created by Nathan LaFreniere and also the repository moved from visionmedia to hapijs.
Furthermore, the development environment shifted, with version 1.0.0 adopting the lab testing framework, suggesting a focus on more robust and comprehensive testing practices. Developers relying on older testing frameworks may see this as a sign of the package's maturity and commitment to code quality. The move reflects a modern approach to JavaScript development. Finally, developers should note the change in the package's repository and author, indicating a transition in maintainership and potential changes in the project's long-term roadmap.
All the vulnerabilities related to the version 1.0.0 of the package
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.
