CVE-2015-9238: secure-compare 3.0.0 and below do not actually compare two strings properly

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MEDIUM 5.3REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2015-9238 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.3) affecting secure-compare. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

secure-compare 3.0.0 and below do not actually compare two strings properly. compare was actually comparing the first argument with itself, meaning the check passed for any two strings of the same length.

Why this priority

Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.3 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.5% (top 26%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-697, CWE-134
Published	2018-05-31
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): HackerOne · Vendor: secure-compare project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-05-31 20:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:36 UTCUpdated Record last modified

secure-compare project secure-compare UPGRADE

Affected: < 3.0.1

Fixed in: 3.0.1

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls secure-compare

2. UPGRADE to 3.0.1

npm install secure-compare@">=3.0.1"

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2015-9238?

secure-compare: upgrade to 3.0.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2015-9238 being exploited?

CVE-2015-9238 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2015-9238 affect?

CVE-2015-9238 affects secure-compare. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.3). secure-compare 3.0.0 and below do not actually compare two strings properly. compare was actually comparing the first argument with itself, meaning the check passed for any two strings of the same length.

How urgent is CVE-2015-9238?

Priority 42/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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