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CVE Record

CVE-2021-23433: Prototype Pollution

The package algoliasearch-helper before 3.6.2 are vulnerable to Prototype Pollution due to use of the merge function in src/SearchParameters/index.jsSearchParameters._parseNumbers without any protection against prototype properties. Note that this vulnerability is only exploitable if the implementation allows users to define arbitrary search patterns.

MediumCVSS 5.9Not KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2021-23433 affects algoliasearch-helper when an application lets users define arbitrary search patterns. The issue can pollute JavaScript object prototypes, creating risk of service instability. The cited CVSS vector emphasizes availability impact, not confirmed data theft or integrity loss.

Executive priority

Treat as a moderate dependency risk. Prioritize remediation where vulnerable versions support customer-facing or revenue-critical search, especially if users can shape search patterns directly.

Technical view

algoliasearch-helper before 3.6.2 is vulnerable to prototype pollution in SearchParameters._parseNumbers through unsafe use of a merge function without protection against prototype properties. Exploitability depends on application-controlled search pattern input reaching that parsing path.

Likely exposure

Exposure is likely limited to JavaScript applications using algoliasearch-helper below 3.6.2 and accepting user-controlled arbitrary search patterns. Applications using fixed versions or not exposing that input path are less likely exposed.

Exploitation context

The source bundle does not show CISA KEV listing or confirmed active exploitation. The CVSS vector is network reachable with high attack complexity and no privileges or user interaction required, with high availability impact.

Researcher notes

Key uncertainty is application reachability. The vulnerability is not automatically exploitable just because the package exists; the cited description requires implementations allowing arbitrary search patterns. Validate data flow before assigning production exposure.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade algoliasearch-helper to 3.6.2 or later where feasible.
  • Check Algolia and package-maintainer guidance for current remediation details.
  • Restrict or validate user-controlled search pattern input.
  • Prioritize services where search availability is business critical.

Validation and detection

  • Identify all applications using algoliasearch-helper.
  • Review dependency manifests and lockfiles for versions below 3.6.2.
  • Confirm whether arbitrary user search patterns reach SearchParameters parsing.
  • Assess monitoring for search errors, crashes, or abnormal availability impact.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
5

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

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.

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CVE-2021-23433 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Medium
CVSS
5.9 (3.1)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:P

Official CVE source material

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.

1CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
4Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
5.9CVSS 3.1MediumCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:P2.23.6Primary CVE score

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

5.9Medium
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2021-23433Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:P

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/aalgoliasearch-helperunspecifiedListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.