sift.js vulnerability

sift (sift.js) 17.1.3 enumerates query keys with for...in, which walks the object prototype chain, and dispatches any matched operator key including $where. The $where operation compiles a string value into a function using new Function unless CSP_ENABLED is set (not set by default). As a result, if a prototype-pollution primitive elsewhere in the process sets Object.prototype.$where to a malicious string, even benign filter calls such as sift({}) execute arbitrary JavaScript. Additionally, passing an untrusted query object containing a string $where directly to sift results in code execution under the default configuration.

Published 4 Sep 2026Updated 14 Sep 20264 sources
CVSS 9.2

What happened

sift (sift.js) 17.1.3 enumerates query keys with for...in, which walks the object prototype chain, and dispatches any matched operator key including $where. The $where operation compiles a string value into a function using new Function unless CSP_ENABLED is set (not set by default). As a result, if a prototype-pollution primitive elsewhere in the process sets Object.prototype.$where to a malicious string, even benign filter calls such as sift({}) execute arbitrary JavaScript. Additionally, passing an untrusted query object containing a string $where directly to sift results in code execution under the default configuration.

Affected versions

sift.js: 0 through 17.1.3 (semver) Fixed: See vendor advisory.

Why it matters

Review the vendor advisory and exposure of the affected product to determine operational impact.

Detection & mitigation

  • Apply vendor-provided updates or mitigations.
  • Review affected product exposure and access logs.

Public PoC references

No public PoC reference has passed the current publication threshold.