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CVE-2017-15871: serialize-to-js can be crashed or hung

CVE-2017-15871 · published 9 years ago

Summary

The serialize-to-js library (versions up to 1.1.1) includes a function that can be tricked into running code that stops the program, causing it to freeze or stop working. This happens when specially crafted input containing a pattern like "function(){...}" is processed. Update to a newer version or avoid using the vulnerable function with untrusted data.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software

Vendor	Product	Affected versions
serialize-to-js_project	serialize-to-js	<= 1.1.1 `cpe:2.3:a:serialize-to-js_project:serialize-to-js::::::node.js::*`

Original advisory text

The deserialize function in serialize-to-js through 1.1.1 allows attackers to cause a denial of service via vectors involving an Immediately Invoked Function Expression "function()" substring, as demonstrated by a "function(){console.log(" call or a simple infinite loop. NOTE: the vendor agrees that denial of service can occur but notes that deserialize is explicitly listed as "harmful" within the README.md file

References

https://github.com/commenthol/serialize-to-js/issues/3 Broken Link Issue Tracking Third Party Advisory
https://kay-malwarebenchmark.github.io/blog/cve-2017-15871-dos-through-iife/ Broken Link Exploit Third Party Advisory

Fix within

Internet-facing 14 days

Internal 60 days

Not known to be exploited
Can be exploited automatically (estimated)
Gives an attacker partial control (estimated)

Severity

7.5 High

Exploitation

1% chance of attack within 30 days

Type

CWE-835Loop with Unreachable Exit Condition ('Infinite Loop')

Timeline

Published24 Oct 2017

Updated4 Nov 2026

First seen29 Sep 2026

Sources

CVE-2017-15871 · NVD

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