🧩 Problem Description

CVE-2023-49210 is a high-risk vulnerability in the openssl (node-openssl) NPM package (through version 2.0.0), allowing command execution via the verb field in the opts argument. The package is deprecated and no longer supported.

📋 Symptoms

  • TVM (Threat & Vulnerability Management) flags the affected NPM package.
  • Security reviews detect node-openssl usage within an environment.
  • Customers request confirmation and mitigation steps for the vulnerability.

🧪 Environment

  • Systems with Node.js environments that may include the node-openssl NPM package.
  • Affected operating systems:
  • Windows 10, 11
  • Windows Server 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022

🛠️ Prerequisites for Investigation

  1. Disclosure for MS Engineers: Communicate clearly that CSS does not perform in-depth infrastructure vulnerability analysis.
  2. Customer Responsibility: Customer must confirm whether their environment includes the node-openssl package.
  3. Risk Acceptance: Any guidance provided is without warranty or liability.

🔍 Investigation Steps

  1. Confirm presence of node-openssl using the following PowerShell script: ```powershell Get-Process node -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Stop-Process -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

if (Get-Command npm -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue) { npm list openssl } else { Write-Output "NPM is not installed on this system." } ```

🧯 Mitigation and Resolution

  1. Update Systems: Ensure all systems using OpenSSL have updated and supported versions.
  2. Temporary Controls: If patching is not immediately possible, apply firewall/access control rules to limit exposure.
  3. Uninstall Vulnerable Package:

Use the script below to remove node-openssl: ```powershell Get-Process node -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Stop-Process -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

if (Get-Command npm -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue) { npm uninstall openssl Write-Output "The openssl (node-openssl) package has been uninstalled." } else { Write-Output "NPM is not installed on this system." } ```

⚠️ Important: Test this script in a development environment before production use. Script is provided as-is.

🔄 Transfer to Specialized Team (If Needed)

If further assistance or investigation is required: - Path: Windows Servers → Select correct version → Microsoft Common Vulnerabilities and Exposure → Questions - Criteria for Transfer: Customer suspects active exploitation or requests deep-dive analysis.

📧 Email Template

Subject: Response to CVE-2023-49210 Exposure Concerns

Dear [Customer Name],

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Support regarding the CVE-2023-49210 vulnerability.
This CVE affects the deprecated NPM package openssl (node-openssl) through version 2.0.0, which allows command execution via unsafe argument handling.

Recommendations: - Confirm if this package is in use. - Update OpenSSL dependencies where applicable. - Use the provided PowerShell script to remove the package if present.

[Insert Script]

Please note that the script is offered without warranty and should be tested in a non-production environment.

If further investigation is needed, we are transferring your case to our vulnerabilities support team.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
Microsoft Support

🔚 Summary of Actions

  1. Informed customer about the scope and limitations of CSS support.
  2. Provided detection and mitigation script.
  3. Suggested update and firewall hardening if immediate remediation isn’t feasible.
  4. Transferred to specialist team if warranted.