CVE-2025-7783 High Severity Vulnerability Detected In Form-data-2.3.3.tgz

This article delves into the high-severity security vulnerability CVE-2025-7783 detected in the form-data-2.3.3.tgz library, a crucial component in many web applications for handling multipart form data. This vulnerability, identified within the context of the ChoeMinji/rails-7.0.0.alpha2 project, poses a significant risk due to its potential for exploitation and the resulting impact on application security. We will explore the technical details of the vulnerability, its potential impact, and the recommended steps for remediation. Understanding this vulnerability is critical for developers and security professionals to ensure the safety and integrity of their applications.

Understanding the Vulnerable Library: form-data-2.3.3.tgz

The form-data-2.3.3.tgz library is a widely used Node.js package designed to create readable multipart/form-data streams. This functionality is essential for submitting forms and file uploads to web applications. The library's ubiquity makes it a prime target for vulnerabilities, as any flaw can potentially affect a large number of applications. The specific instance of the library in question is located at https://registry.npmjs.org/form-data/-/form-data-2.3.3.tgz. This particular version is identified as vulnerable, highlighting the importance of staying updated with the latest security patches. The library is found within the dependency hierarchy of the actioncable-7.0.0-alpha2.tgz project, specifically through the following path:

• actioncable-7.0.0-alpha2.tgz (Root Library)
  • karma-sauce-launcher-1.2.0.tgz
    • wd-1.11.1.tgz
      • request-2.88.0.tgz
        • :x: form-data-2.3.3.tgz (Vulnerable Library)

The vulnerability was identified in the HEAD commit 3a3902efe3788aa4f5410d439175653e42f854e6 and the base branch main, indicating its presence in the core codebase. This highlights the need for immediate action to mitigate the risk. To effectively address this vulnerability, it's crucial to understand its nature and potential consequences.

Delving into the Vulnerability Details: CVE-2025-7783

The core of the issue lies in the insufficient randomness used in generating values within the form-data library. Specifically, the vulnerability falls under the category of HTTP Parameter Pollution (HPP). This flaw can be exploited by attackers to manipulate HTTP parameters, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability is associated with the lib/form_data.Js file within the library. This specific vulnerability affects versions of form-data prior to 2.5.4, as well as versions 3.0.0 through 3.0.3 and 4.0.0 through 4.0.3. The wide range of affected versions underscores the importance of upgrading to a secure version. HTTP Parameter Pollution (HPP) is a type of web security vulnerability that occurs when an attacker is able to inject additional HTTP parameters into a request, potentially overriding existing parameters or adding new ones. This can lead to a variety of security issues, including bypassing security controls, manipulating application logic, and even performing cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. In the context of form-data, the insufficient randomness in value generation can make it easier for attackers to predict and manipulate these values, leading to HPP vulnerabilities. The vulnerability was published on 2025-07-18, emphasizing the timeliness of this analysis and the urgency of implementing the suggested fix. For a more detailed understanding of the vulnerability, you can refer to the Mend vulnerability database.

Understanding the CVSS 3 Score: A High Severity Rating

The CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) 3 score for CVE-2025-7783 is 8.7, classifying it as a high-severity vulnerability. This score is derived from a combination of base score metrics that assess the exploitability and impact of the vulnerability. A high CVSS score indicates a significant risk and necessitates prompt action. The base score metrics provide a granular view of the vulnerability's characteristics. The Exploitability Metrics break down how easily the vulnerability can be exploited. The Attack Vector is Network, indicating that the vulnerability can be exploited remotely over a network connection. The Attack Complexity is High, meaning that exploiting the vulnerability requires specialized conditions or attacker-controlled settings. However, the fact that No Privileges are Required and No User Interaction is needed for exploitation increases the severity, as attackers can potentially exploit the vulnerability without needing any user involvement or elevated permissions. The Scope is Changed, indicating that a successful exploit can affect resources beyond the attacker's control. The Impact Metrics assess the potential consequences of a successful exploit. The Confidentiality Impact and Integrity Impact are both rated as High, meaning that an attacker could potentially gain access to sensitive information and modify critical data. However, the Availability Impact is None, suggesting that the vulnerability does not directly lead to denial-of-service conditions. For a comprehensive understanding of CVSS3 scores, you can refer to the CVSS 3.0 calculator. This detailed analysis of the CVSS score underscores the high risk associated with CVE-2025-7783 and the importance of implementing the suggested fix.

Suggested Fix: Upgrade to a Secure Version

The recommended solution for CVE-2025-7783 is to upgrade the form-data library to a secure version. The specific fix resolution for form-data is 2.5.4 or later. For projects using @rails/actioncable, the recommended direct dependency fix resolution is 7.0.0 or later. This upgrade will incorporate the necessary security patches to address the insufficient randomness vulnerability. The origin of this fix is documented in the GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-fjxv-7rqg-78g4. This advisory provides further details on the vulnerability and the steps taken to address it. The Release Date for the fix was 2025-07-18, highlighting the importance of applying the update promptly. Upgrading to a secure version is crucial to mitigate the risk of HTTP Parameter Pollution and protect your applications from potential attacks. The upgrade process typically involves updating the dependency in your project's package manager (e.g., npm, yarn) and redeploying the application. It's also recommended to thoroughly test the application after the upgrade to ensure that the fix has been implemented correctly and that no new issues have been introduced. In addition to upgrading the form-data library, it's also essential to review other dependencies in your project to ensure that they are not affected by similar vulnerabilities. Regularly updating dependencies and staying informed about security advisories are crucial steps in maintaining a secure application.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Security with Timely Updates

In conclusion, the high-severity vulnerability CVE-2025-7783 in the form-data-2.3.3.tgz library poses a significant risk to web applications. The insufficient randomness in value generation can lead to HTTP Parameter Pollution, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate application behavior and compromise security. The CVSS 3 score of 8.7 underscores the urgency of addressing this vulnerability. The recommended solution is to upgrade to form-data version 2.5.4 or later, or to @rails/actioncable version 7.0.0 or later, as appropriate for your project. This upgrade incorporates the necessary security patches to mitigate the risk. Timely updates and proactive security measures are crucial for protecting applications from vulnerabilities. By staying informed about security advisories and promptly applying recommended fixes, developers and security professionals can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Remember, security is an ongoing process, and regular vulnerability assessments and dependency updates are essential for maintaining a secure application environment. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to prioritize security in all aspects of software development and deployment. By taking swift action to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-7783, we can collectively work towards a more secure digital landscape.

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