CVE-2017-15897: Node.js had a bug in versions 8.X and 9.X which caused buffers to not be initialized when the encoding for the

Routine

LOW 3.1UPGRADE

CVE-2017-15897 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 3.1) affecting node.js. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Node.js had a bug in versions 8.X and 9.X which caused buffers to not be initialized when the encoding for the fill value did not match the encoding specified. For example, 'Buffer.alloc(0x100, "This is not correctly encoded", "hex");' The buffer implementation was updated such that the buffer will be initialized to all zeros in these cases.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	3.1 (Low)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.3% (top 17%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-665
Published	2017-12-11
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Node.js · Vendor: nodejs

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-12-11 21:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:08 UTCUpdated Record last modified

nodejs node.js UPGRADE

Affected: >= 8.0.0 and <= 8.8.1 · >= 8.9.0 and < 8.9.3 · >= 9.0.0 and < 9.2.1

Fixed in: 8.9.3, 9.2.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy node.js || rpm -q node.js || node.js --version

2. UPGRADE to 8.9.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade node.js

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade node.js

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 8.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison node.js sudo apt install node.js=<VERSION_BEFORE_8.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold node.js

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list node.js sudo dnf downgrade node.js-<VERSION_BEFORE_8.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add node.js

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

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-2017-15897?

node.js: upgrade to 8.9.3, 9.2.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2017-15897 being exploited?

CVE-2017-15897 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-2017-15897 affect?

CVE-2017-15897 affects node.js. Severity is low (CVSS 3.1). Node.js had a bug in versions 8.X and 9.X which caused buffers to not be initialized when the encoding for the fill value did not match the encoding specified. For example, 'Buffer.alloc(0x100, "This is not correctly encoded", "hex");' The

How urgent is CVE-2017-15897?

Priority 32/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

Node.js vulnerabilities

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References

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