Version 2.4.1 of the qs npm package is a minor update following version 2.4.0. Both versions share the same core description: a querystring parser meticulously designed to handle nested objects and arrays within URL query strings, all while respecting a configurable depth limit to prevent resource exhaustion. Both rely on the same development dependencies -- lab for testing and code for assertions -- signaling a consistent testing and quality assurance approach. Both versions are maintained in the same GitHub repository under hapijs/qs, so the source code and contribution guidelines remain consistent between the two.
The tangible difference lies in the release dates: version 2.4.1 released on March 13, 2015, shortly after version 2.4.0 on March 12, 2015. This tight release window suggests that version 2.4.1 likely addresses a bug fix or minor refinement discovered immediately after the 2.4.0 release. Given the lack of explicit change logs, developers should ideally consult the project's commit history on GitHub to understand the precise alterations.
For those using qs, upgrading from 2.4.0 to 2.4.1 is generally recommended. While the core functionality remains the same, the update probably includes important stability or edge-case resolutions. As always, a best practise includes testing any changes when upgrading dependencies, but the minor version change points towards a safe and incremental upgrade to leverage any unseen improvements. The package handles complex querystring parsing with nesting capabilities, which is great for developers who want to have more flexibility.
All the vulnerabilities related to the version 2.4.1 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.
