CVE-2017-16003: windows-build-tools is a module for installing C++ Build Tools for Windows using npm

This month

HIGH 8.1REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2017-16003 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.1) affecting windows-build-tools. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

windows-build-tools is a module for installing C++ Build Tools for Windows using npm. windows-build-tools versions below 1.0.0 download resources over HTTP, which leaves it vulnerable to MITM attacks. It may be possible to cause remote code execution (RCE) by swapping out the requested resources with an attacker controlled copy if the attacker is on the network or positioned in between the user and the remote server.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.1 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.2% (top 17%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-311
Published	2018-05-29
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): HackerOne · Vendor: windows-build-tools project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-05-29 20:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:08 UTCUpdated Record last modified

windows-build-tools project windows-build-tools UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.0.0

Fixed in: 1.0.0

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls windows-build-tools

2. UPGRADE to 1.0.0

npm install windows-build-tools@">=1.0.0"

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-2017-16003?

windows-build-tools: upgrade to 1.0.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2017-16003 being exploited?

CVE-2017-16003 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-2017-16003 affect?

CVE-2017-16003 affects windows-build-tools. Severity is high (CVSS 8.1). windows-build-tools is a module for installing C++ Build Tools for Windows using npm. windows-build-tools versions below 1.0.0 download resources over HTTP, which leaves it vulnerable to MITM attacks. It may be possible to cause remote code

How urgent is CVE-2017-16003?

Priority 54/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities

References

← Back to latest CVEs