CVE-2023-38704: import-in-the-middle is a module loading interceptor specifically for ESM modules. The import-in-the-middle loader works by generating a wrapper modul...

Description

import-in-the-middle is a module loading interceptor specifically for ESM modules. The import-in-the-middle loader works by generating a wrapper module on the fly. The wrapper uses the module specifier to load the original module and add some wrapping code. Prior to version 1.4.2, it allows for remote code execution in cases where an application passes user-supplied input directly to the `import()` function. This vulnerability has been patched in import-in-the-middle version 1.4.2. Some workarounds are available. Do not pass any user-supplied input to `import()`. Instead, verify it against a set of allowed values. If using import-in-the-middle, directly or indirectly, and support for EcmaScript Modules is not needed, ensure that no options are set, either via command-line or the `NODE_OPTIONS` environment variable, that would enable loader hooks.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.85%

53.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-20

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Datadoghq	Import-In-The-Middle	< 1.4.2

References

https://github.com/DataDog/import-in-the-middle/commit/2531cdd9d1d73f9eaa87c16967f60cb276c1971bPatch
https://github.com/DataDog/import-in-the-middle/security/advisories/GHSA-5r27-rw8r-7967Mitigation, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/DataDog/import-in-the-middle/commit/2531cdd9d1d73f9eaa87c16967f60cb276c1971bPatch
https://github.com/DataDog/import-in-the-middle/security/advisories/GHSA-5r27-rw8r-7967Mitigation, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Aug 7, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-38704?

import-in-the-middle is a module loading interceptor specifically for ESM modules. The import-in-the-middle loader works by generating a wrapper module on the fly. The wrapper uses the module specifier to load the original module and add some wrapping code. Prior to version 1.4.2, it allows for remote code execution in cases where an application passes user-supplied input directly to the `import()` function. This vulnerability has been patched in import-in-the-middle version 1.4.2. Some workarounds are available. Do not pass any user-supplied input to `import()`. Instead, verify it against a set of allowed values. If using import-in-the-middle, directly or indirectly, and support for EcmaScript Modules is not needed, ensure that no options are set, either via command-line or the `NODE_OPTIONS` environment variable, that would enable loader hooks.

How severe is CVE-2023-38704?

CVE-2023-38704 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.85% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-38704?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.