threat-modeling.md

Threat Model Analysis for dart-lang/json_serializable

Threat: Critical Code Generation Bugs Leading to Remote Code Execution (RCE)

• Description: A severe bug in the json_serializable code generation logic could result in generated serialization or deserialization code that contains exploitable vulnerabilities. An attacker could craft malicious JSON payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable generated code, allow for arbitrary code execution on the application server or client device. This could involve memory corruption vulnerabilities, injection flaws, or other critical security weaknesses introduced during code generation.
• Impact: Critical. Full system compromise, complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers can gain complete control over the application and potentially the underlying system.
• Affected Component: Code Generation Module
• Risk Severity: Critical
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Rigorous Security Audits of json_serializable Codebase: The json_serializable library itself should undergo regular and thorough security audits by experienced security professionals to identify and eliminate potential code generation vulnerabilities.
  • Fuzzing and Vulnerability Testing of Code Generation: Implement automated fuzzing and vulnerability testing specifically targeting the code generation process of json_serializable to proactively discover potential bugs and weaknesses.
  • Sandboxing and Isolation: If feasible, run code generated by json_serializable in a sandboxed or isolated environment to limit the impact of potential RCE vulnerabilities.
  • Immediate Patching and Updates: Promptly apply security patches and updates released by the json_serializable maintainers to address any identified critical code generation bugs.
  • Input Validation as Defense in Depth: While json_serializable handles deserialization, implement additional input validation in application code after deserialization to catch unexpected or malicious data that might bypass generated code vulnerabilities.

Threat: High Severity Dependency Vulnerabilities in json_serializable Dependencies

• Description: json_serializable relies on other libraries (dependencies) such as analyzer and build_runner. If these dependencies contain high severity security vulnerabilities, and these vulnerabilities are exploitable through the way json_serializable uses them, it could indirectly expose applications using json_serializable to significant risks. An attacker could exploit a vulnerability in a dependency that is triggered during the code generation or build process initiated by json_serializable.
• Impact: High. Potential for application compromise, data breaches, or denial of service, depending on the nature and exploitability of the dependency vulnerability. The impact is high because exploitation might be less direct than RCE in generated code, but still poses a significant security risk.
• Affected Component: Dependencies of json_serializable (e.g., analyzer, build_runner)
• Risk Severity: High
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Continuous Dependency Monitoring: Implement automated tools and processes to continuously monitor dependencies of json_serializable for known security vulnerabilities.
  • Automated Dependency Scanning: Integrate dependency scanning tools into the development pipeline to automatically detect vulnerable dependencies before deployment.
  • Prompt Dependency Updates: Establish a process for promptly updating json_serializable dependencies to versions that address identified security vulnerabilities.
  • Vulnerability Disclosure Monitoring: Actively monitor security vulnerability disclosure channels and mailing lists related to Dart, Flutter, and the dependencies of json_serializable to stay informed about potential risks.
  • Dependency Pinning and Reproducible Builds: While updates are crucial, use dependency pinning in pubspec.yaml to ensure reproducible builds and carefully manage dependency updates, testing them thoroughly before widespread deployment.