CVE-2017-16116: The string module is a module that provides extra string operations

Q: How do I fix CVE-2017-16116?

string: upgrade to newer than 3.3.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2017-16116 being exploited?

CVE-2017-16116 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2017-16116 affect?

CVE-2017-16116 affects string. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The string module is a module that provides extra string operations. The string module is vulnerable to regular expression denial of service when specifically crafted untrusted user input is passed into the underscore or unescapeHTML method

Q: How urgent is CVE-2017-16116?

Priority 55/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

This week

HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2017-16116 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting string. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The string module is a module that provides extra string operations. The string module is vulnerable to regular expression denial of service when specifically crafted untrusted user input is passed into the underscore or unescapeHTML methods.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.6% (top 24%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-400
Published	2018-06-07
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): HackerOne · Vendor: string project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-06-07 02:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:08 UTCUpdated Record last modified

string project string UPGRADE

Affected: <= 0.2.1 · >= 0.2.2 and <= 3.3.3

Fixed in: newer than 3.3.3

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.2.2

1. Check installed version

npm ls string

2. UPGRADE to newer than 3.3.3

npm install string@">3.3.3"

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.2.2

npm view string versions npm install string@"<0.2.2"

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-2017-16116?

string: upgrade to newer than 3.3.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2017-16116 being exploited?

CVE-2017-16116 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-2017-16116 affect?

CVE-2017-16116 affects string. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The string module is a module that provides extra string operations. The string module is vulnerable to regular expression denial of service when specifically crafted untrusted user input is passed into the underscore or unescapeHTML method

How urgent is CVE-2017-16116?

Priority 55/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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