Insecure template handling in express-hbs
express-hbs is an Express handlebars template engine. express-hbs mixes pure template data with engine configuration options through the Express render API. More specifically, the layout parameter may trigger file disclosure vulnerabilities in downstream applications. This potential vulnerability is somewhat restricted in that only files with existing extentions (i.e. file.extension) can be included, files that lack an extension will have .hbs appended to them. For complete details refer to the referenced GHSL-2021-019 report. Notes in documentation have been added to help users of express-hbs avoid this potential information exposure vulnerability.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | express-hbs | <= 2.4.0 | no fix |
References
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-32817
- https://github.com/TryGhost/express-hbs/commit/ff6fad6e357699412d4e916273314e5e7af1500e
- https://github.com/TryGhost/express-hbs
- https://github.com/TryGhost/express-hbs#%EF%B8%8F-this-creates-a-potential-security-vulnerability
- https://securitylab.github.com/advisories/GHSL-2021-019-express-hbs
- https://www.npmjs.com/package/express-hbs
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-200, CWE-94- Platform
- npm
- Package
express-hbs- Disclosed
- 17.05.2021
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-rwxp-hwwf-653v - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: express-hbs
All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
This is the only known vulnerability of this package.
Know which vulnerabilities affect your application
With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.