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attack-surface.md

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Attack Surface Analysis for octalmage/robotjs

Attack Surface: 1. Unintended System Actions via Input Manipulation

  • Description: Attackers manipulate input data used to control robotjs actions (keyboard, mouse, clipboard) to execute unintended commands or actions on the server's OS.
  • How robotjs contributes: robotjs translates software commands into system-level actions. Unvalidated input controlling these commands allows attackers to leverage robotjs for malicious purposes.
  • Example: A web application uses user input to "type" text via robotjs. An attacker injects shell commands into this input, which robotjs then types into the server's active window, leading to command execution.
  • Impact: Remote Code Execution, System Compromise, Data Exfiltration, Denial of Service.
  • Risk Severity: Critical
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • Strict Input Validation: Thoroughly validate and sanitize all input data before using it with robotjs. Use whitelists for allowed characters and commands.
    • Context-Aware Sanitization: Sanitize input based on the specific robotjs function being used (e.g., sanitize for shell command injection if using robotjs.typeString).
    • Principle of Least Privilege: Run the Node.js process with minimal necessary privileges. Avoid running as root or administrator if possible.
    • Isolate robotjs Functionality: Isolate robotjs related code into a separate, less privileged process if feasible.

Attack Surface: 2. Privilege Escalation (Indirect)

  • Description: Application vulnerabilities combined with robotjs running with elevated privileges can grant attackers system-level control, even if the initial vulnerability isn't directly privilege escalation.
  • How robotjs contributes: robotjs often requires elevated privileges. If the application inherits or is granted these privileges, any application vulnerability that can control robotjs becomes a privilege escalation path.
  • Example: An XSS vulnerability in a web application allows attacker-controlled JavaScript execution. This code interacts with a backend Node.js application using robotjs with elevated privileges. The attacker leverages XSS to trigger robotjs actions with those privileges, escalating to system-level control.
  • Impact: Full System Compromise, Unauthorized Access to Sensitive Resources.
  • Risk Severity: High
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • Principle of Least Privilege (Node.js Process): Run the Node.js application with the absolute minimum privileges required. Avoid unnecessary permissions.
    • Minimize robotjs Privilege Requirements: Configure the system and application to minimize the privileges needed for robotjs to function.
    • Regular Security Audits: Conduct security audits and penetration testing to find and fix application vulnerabilities exploitable with robotjs.
    • Input Validation and Sanitization (as in point 1): Prevents attackers from controlling application logic and indirectly robotjs actions.

Attack Surface: 3. Information Disclosure via Screenshotting/Screen Reading

  • Description: robotjs's screen capture capabilities can be misused to expose sensitive information displayed on the server's screen.
  • How robotjs contributes: robotjs provides functions for screenshots and reading screen pixel data. Uncontrolled access or mishandling of captured data can lead to information leaks.
  • Example: A debugging feature uses robotjs to take screenshots for error reporting. If error logs are publicly accessible or an attacker can trigger and access screenshots, they could view sensitive data on the server's screen (API keys, configuration, dashboards).
  • Impact: Data Breach, Exposure of Confidential Information, Privacy Violation.
  • Risk Severity: High (depending on data sensitivity on the server screen)
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • Restrict Access to Screenshot Functionality: Limit access to robotjs screenshot functions to authorized users/processes only.
    • Secure Storage and Handling of Screenshots: Securely store screenshots, preventing public access. Implement access controls and encryption if needed.
    • Minimize Sensitive Information on Server Screen: Reduce sensitive data displayed on the server screen, especially in production.
    • Regular Security Audits: Review code using screenshot functionality for vulnerabilities and information leakage.

Attack Surface: 4. Dependency Vulnerabilities in robotjs or its Native Modules

  • Description: Vulnerabilities in robotjs or its native dependencies can be exploited to compromise the application and server.
  • How robotjs contributes: robotjs relies on native modules for system interaction. Vulnerabilities in these modules or in robotjs itself introduce security flaws.
  • Example: A vulnerability is found in a native library used by robotjs for screen capture. If the application uses the vulnerable robotjs version, an attacker could exploit this for unauthorized access or code execution.
  • Impact: Remote Code Execution, System Compromise, Data Breach (depending on the vulnerability).
  • Risk Severity: High (can be Critical depending on the vulnerability type)
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • Regular Dependency Updates: Keep robotjs and all dependencies updated with the latest security patches.
    • Dependency Scanning: Use tools to scan for known vulnerabilities in robotjs and its dependencies.
    • Monitor Security Advisories: Subscribe to security advisories for robotjs and dependencies to stay informed about vulnerabilities and updates.
    • Code Reviews: Review code changes in robotjs updates for potential security implications.