Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
PouchDB 6.0.4 and earlier can run unintended code through map/reduce functions in temporary views and design documents. If an attacker can influence those functions, the impact may extend beyond the database logic to arbitrary JavaScript and system commands on the host.
Executive priority
Treat as high priority for systems using old PouchDB in server-side Node.js paths, especially where users can influence views. The business risk is host-level code execution, but exposure depends on application design.
Technical view
This is CWE-94 code injection in the PouchDB Node module. The affected branch’s map/reduce execution engine is described as not properly sandboxed, allowing arbitrary JavaScript and system commands through temporary views and design documents. Sources identify versions <=6.0.4; no CVSS vector is provided.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most likely in Node.js applications using PouchDB <=6.0.4 where map/reduce functions, temporary views, or design documents can be created or influenced by untrusted users or data flows.
Exploitation context
The provided sources do not report active exploitation, and CISA KEV is false. The issue is still serious because the described primitive is arbitrary code execution when attacker-controlled map/reduce code reaches the vulnerable engine.
Researcher notes
Evidence is limited to the CVE description and advisory reference. The bundle does not include CVSS, exploit reports, or explicit patched-version details. Avoid assuming internet exposure; validate data flow into map/reduce features.
Mitigation direction
- Inventory applications using the PouchDB Node module.
- Identify any dependency pinned to PouchDB <=6.0.4.
- Check PouchDB or Node Security advisory guidance for fixed versions.
- Prevent untrusted users from supplying map/reduce functions or design documents.
- Review hosting controls for processes running vulnerable PouchDB code.
Validation and detection
- Search package manifests and lockfiles for PouchDB versions <=6.0.4.
- Trace whether temporary views or design documents accept user-controlled input.
- Confirm no untrusted map/reduce JavaScript reaches server-side execution paths.
- Review application logs for unexpected design document or temporary view activity.
- Document compensating controls if immediate upgrade guidance is unavailable.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
CWE-94: Code execution behavior lookup
Code execution and unsafe deserialization weaknesses often justify reviewing execution behavior and process telemetry. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupExecution behavior lookup
The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2016-10546 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Unknown
- CVSS
- Not scored
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS and timeline data
No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://nodesecurity.io/advisories/143CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.