Arbitrary File Write in npm
Versions of the npm CLI prior to 6.13.3 are vulnerable to an Arbitrary File Write. It fails to prevent access to folders outside of the intended node_modules folder through the bin field. A properly constructed entry in the package.json bin field would allow a package publisher to create files on a user's system when the package is installed. It is only possible to affect files that the user running npm install has access to and it is not possible to over write files that already exist on disk.
This behavior is still possible through install scripts. This vulnerability bypasses a user using the --ignore-scripts install option.
Recommendation
Upgrade to version 6.13.3 or later.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | npm | < 6.13.3 | 6.13.3 |
References
- https://github.com/npm/cli/security/advisories/GHSA-m6cx-g6qm-p2cx
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-16775
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHEA-2020:0330
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2020:0573
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2020:0579
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2020:0597
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2020:0602
- https://blog.npmjs.org/post/189618601100/binary-planting-with-the-npm-cli
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-m6cx-g6qm-p2cx
- https://github.com/npm/cli
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/Z36UKPO5F3PQ3Q2POMF5LEKXWAH5RUFP
- https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/1434
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujan2020.html
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpuoct2021.html
- http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-01/msg00027.html
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-59, CWE-61- Platform
- npm
- Package
npm- Disclosed
- 13.12.2019
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-m6cx-g6qm-p2cx - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: npm
All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 8
- First → latest
- 07.2018 06.2022
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- High 6
- Medium 1
- Low 1
Disclosures per year
- 2018: 1
- 2019: 3
- 2020: 2
- 2021: 0
- 2022: 2
- 2023: 0
- 2024: 0
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 0
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Arbitrary File Write in npm this entry
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