PatchTheCVECVE-2017-16118: The forwarded module is used by the Express.js framework to handle the X-Forwarded-For header
CVE-2017-16118 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting forwarded. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
The forwarded module is used by the Express.js framework to handle the X-Forwarded-For header. It is vulnerable to a regular expression denial of service when it's passed specially crafted input to parse. This causes the event loop to be blocked causing a denial of service condition.
Why this priority
- High severity
- 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 | 1.9% (top 21%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-400 |
| Published | 2018-06-07 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
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-2017-16118?
forwarded: upgrade to 0.1.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2017-16118 being exploited?
CVE-2017-16118 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-2017-16118 affect?
CVE-2017-16118 affects forwarded. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The forwarded module is used by the Express.js framework to handle the X-Forwarded-For header. It is vulnerable to a regular expression denial of service when it's passed specially crafted input to parse. This causes the event loop to be bl
How urgent is CVE-2017-16118?
Priority 51/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action