If you’ve ever used an app or a website, there’s a good chance the people who built it used and integrated multiple tools to make it work smoothly. Two such tools are MongoDB, a popular database development system, and Mongoose, a commonly used 3rd party library which helps external apps "talk" to MongoDB. But what happens when hackers find ways to sneak in through these tools?
Discover how an OPSWAT Cybersecurity Fellowship Program Researcher uncovered the vulnerability and worked closely with Mongoose’s developers to quickly fix it, not just once, but twice.
What’s the Issue?
Threat actors are constantly looking for ways to exploit coding flaws or “bugs” in software. Some versions of Mongoose have bugs that can give hackers a way to break into apps. These bugs could let them:
- Embed dangerous code inside the database.
- Steal or corrupt data stored in MongoDB.
Why does this matter?
Many businesses use Mongoose and MongoDB to build their apps. If hackers break in, they could cause serious functionality problems and, worse, put critical data at risk of theft, manipulation, or destruction.
The Two Big Bugs: What You Need to Know
1. CVE-2024-53900
This bug happens because of the incorrect handling of the $where query operator in Mongoose. As a result, hackers can bypass MongoDB’s server-side JavaScript restrictions and potentially achieve remote code execution (RCE) on the Node.js application server. Hackers can trick the system into running malicious code, meaning they can take over the web application server and perform unauthorized actions, such as modifying or stealing data.
2. CVE-2025-23061
This older bug wasn’t completely resolved in the initial fix, which is why it continues to be a problem. Hackers can use a different approach to bypass the fix and still compromise the web application server, allowing them to steal data or take control of the application.
What Should Developers Do?
Step 1: Update Mongoose Now
Mongoose has committed to fixing both of the bugs in the newest versions of their software. If you’re using Mongoose, update it right away to the latest version.
Step 2: Audit Your Tools
Developers should scan their Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)—a list of all the tools and code they use—to ensure nothing else has bugs.
An SBOM provides transparency into the components and dependencies within software, ensuring that any vulnerabilities are identified and addressed. In modern development environments, the use of multiple software tools and third-party libraries introduces significant complexity, making it challenging to maintain a software development lifecycle (SDLC). Without continuous monitoring of the SBOM, organizations risk overlooking outdated or vulnerable components, leaving their applications exposed to attack and their data at risk. Proactive SBOM scanning helps streamline vulnerability management, ensuring that security remains an integral part of the SDLC.
Step 3: Protect Your Data
Hackers could use these bugs to mess with your data. Just because it was safe when you stored it, it doesn’t guarantee it remained unaltered. Scanning your database for changes or vulnerabilities can help keep things secure. Tools like sandboxing and file scanning are great ways to catch anything suspicious.
OPSWAT’s Deep CDR™, MetaScan™ Multiscanning, and Sandbox technologies provide multilayered scanning capabilities for data at rest, including sensitive databases like MongoDB. Deep CDR sanitizes files by reconstructing them into safe, clean versions, while MetaScan Multiscanning leverages 30+ antivirus engines to detect known and unknown threats. MetaDefender Sandbox adds an additional layer of security by analyzing potentially malicious behavior in a controlled environment.
Scanning MongoDB is critical because databases often store large amounts of sensitive information, and vulnerabilities can serve as entry points for attackers to exploit, compromising data integrity and security. Combining these technologies ensures comprehensive protection against hidden threats.
Why does this happen?
Building apps is like building with LEGO bricks—you use lots of small pieces to make something big. But if even one brick is broken, the whole thing could fall apart. That’s what happens when developers use tools like Mongoose or MongoDB but don’t check for updates or fixes. It’s not their fault, but it’s a lesson in why keeping tools up to date is so important.
How Can We Help?
OPSWAT specializes in technologies and solutions that identify malware and bugs like these, helping businesses stay safe. If you’re a developer, we can help you scan your apps and data for risks, keep your tools up to date, and protect your information from hackers.
The Big Takeaway
Bugs in software like Mongoose might sound like a small problem, but they can have a ripple effect if hackers find and use them first. Developers need to focus on four key items to stay ahead:
- Understand all tools and libraries used in their software builds.
- Keep those tools updated.
- Check their app’s software components for risks.
- Scan their data for anything anomalous or malicious.
Strengthening a Culture of Cybersecurity
Want to learn more about how the students in our Fellowship Program discovered—and helped patch—these CVEs? Get all the details and read about how the program is contributing to the global cybersecurity community.
If you’re a developer or a business owner, now’s the time to make sure your apps and data are protected.
Whether it’s SBOM or the multilayered threat detection and prevention found in MetaDefender Core, our experts are ready to show you why OPSWAT is trusted globally to defend some of the most critical environments from threats.
Want to learn how OPSWAT can safeguard your environment from emerging threats?
