CVE-2016-10538: The package `node-cli` before 1.0.0 insecurely uses the lock_file and log_file

Routine

LOW 3.5WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2016-10538 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 3.5) affecting cli, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The package `node-cli` before 1.0.0 insecurely uses the lock_file and log_file. Both of these are temporary, but it allows the starting user to overwrite any file they have access to.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	3.5 (Low)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	1.0% (top 38%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22, CWE-362
Published	2018-05-31
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): HackerOne · Vendor: cli project · debian

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 00:39 UTCUpdated Record last modified

cli project cli UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.0.0

Fixed in: 1.0.0

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls cli

2. UPGRADE to 1.0.0

npm install cli@">=1.0.0"

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 8.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2016-10538?

cli: upgrade to 1.0.0; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2016-10538 being exploited?

CVE-2016-10538 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-2016-10538 affect?

CVE-2016-10538 affects cli, debian linux. Severity is low (CVSS 3.5). The package `node-cli` before 1.0.0 insecurely uses the lock_file and log_file. Both of these are temporary, but it allows the starting user to overwrite any file they have access to.

How urgent is CVE-2016-10538?

Priority 38/100. Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

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References

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