CVE-2022-24760 is a Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting parse-community's Parse Server versions prior to 4.10.7. Parse Server is an open-source backend framework commonly used to build HTTP web server backends, often paired with MongoDB but also supporting other databases like PostgreSQL. The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component, classified under CWE-74 (Injection). Specifically, the vulnerability stems from Prototype Pollution in the DatabaseController.js file, which allows an attacker to manipulate the prototype of a base object. This manipulation can lead to arbitrary code execution on the server when the polluted prototype is used in subsequent operations. The vulnerability affects default configurations and is confirmed on both Linux (Ubuntu) and Windows platforms. Since the issue is related to prototype pollution, it likely impacts all supported database backends, not just MongoDB. No known exploits have been observed in the wild to date. The only mitigation aside from upgrading to version 4.10.7 or later is to manually patch the vulnerable code as referenced in the GitHub advisory GHSA-p6h4-93qp-jhcm. This vulnerability is critical because it allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. However, the official severity is listed as medium, possibly due to limited exploitation evidence and the requirement for specific configurations to be vulnerable.

For European organizations using Parse Server as part of their backend infrastructure, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely without authentication. This could result in data breaches, service disruption, and lateral movement within the network. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure that rely on Parse Server for web services could face severe operational and reputational damage. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that the vulnerability affects multiple operating systems and database backends, increasing the attack surface. Additionally, since Parse Server is open source and widely used in custom applications, organizations may have difficulty quickly identifying vulnerable instances. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time. The vulnerability's ability to bypass authentication and execute code remotely makes it a high-risk issue for European entities, particularly those with internet-facing Parse Server deployments.

1. Immediate upgrade: Organizations should prioritize upgrading all Parse Server instances to version 4.10.7 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Manual patching: If immediate upgrade is not feasible, apply the manual patch referenced in the GitHub advisory GHSA-p6h4-93qp-jhcm to mitigate the vulnerability. 3. Network segmentation: Restrict access to Parse Server instances by implementing strict network segmentation and firewall rules to limit exposure to untrusted networks. 4. Monitoring and detection: Deploy monitoring solutions to detect unusual behavior or signs of exploitation, such as unexpected code execution or anomalous database queries. 5. Audit configurations: Review Parse Server configurations to ensure they follow security best practices, minimizing unnecessary privileges and exposure. 6. Incident response readiness: Prepare incident response plans specific to web backend compromises, including containment and recovery procedures. 7. Dependency management: Regularly audit and update all dependencies related to Parse Server to reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities. 8. Application-layer protections: Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block injection attempts targeting prototype pollution or similar attacks.