npm symlink reference outside of node_modules
Versions of the npm CLI prior to 6.13.3 are vulnerable to a symlink reference outside of node_modules. It is possible for packages to create symlinks to files outside of thenode_modules folder through the bin field upon installation. A properly constructed entry in the package.json bin field would allow a package publisher to create a symlink pointing to arbitrary files on a user’s system when the package is installed. Only files accessible by the user running the npm install are affected.
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-x8qc-rrcw-4r46
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-16776
- 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-x8qc-rrcw-4r46
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/Z36UKPO5F3PQ3Q2POMF5LEKXWAH5RUFP
- https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/1436
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujan2020.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-22- Platform
- npm
- Package
npm- Disclosed
- 13.12.2019
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-x8qc-rrcw-4r46 - 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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