CVE-2018-12120: Node.js: All versions prior to Node.js 6.15.0: Debugger port 5858 listens on any interface by default: When th

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HIGH 8.1REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2018-12120 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.1) affecting node.js. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Node.js: All versions prior to Node.js 6.15.0: Debugger port 5858 listens on any interface by default: When the debugger is enabled with `node --debug` or `node debug`, it listens to port 5858 on all interfaces by default. This may allow remote computers to attach to the debug port and evaluate arbitrary JavaScript. The default interface is now localhost. It has always been possible to start the debugger on a specific interface, such as `node --d

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited
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	4.3% (top 9%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-419, CWE-829
Published	2018-11-28
Last modified	2026-10-08

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

Last updated 2026-10-08 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-11-28 17:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-08 22:16 UTCUpdated Record last modified

nodejs node.js UPGRADE

Affected: >= 6.0.0 and < 6.15.0

Fixed in: 6.15.0

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 6.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 6.15.0 (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 6.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison node.js sudo apt install node.js=<VERSION_BEFORE_6.0.0> 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_6.0.0> 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-2018-12120?

node.js: upgrade to 6.15.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-12120 being exploited?

CVE-2018-12120 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-2018-12120 affect?

CVE-2018-12120 affects node.js. Severity is high (CVSS 8.1). Node.js: All versions prior to Node.js 6.15.0: Debugger port 5858 listens on any interface by default: When the debugger is enabled with `node --debug` or `node debug`, it listens to port 5858 on all interfaces by default. This may allow re

How urgent is CVE-2018-12120?

Priority 56/100. High severity; EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Node.js vulnerabilities

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References

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