PatchTheCVECVE-2018-21268: The traceroute (aka node-traceroute) package through 1.0.0 for Node.js allows remote command injection via the
CVE-2018-21268 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting traceroute. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
The traceroute (aka node-traceroute) package through 1.0.0 for Node.js allows remote command injection via the host parameter. This occurs because the Child.exec() method, which is considered to be not entirely safe, is used. In particular, an OS command can be placed after a newline character.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited
- Public exploit reference
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 10.0 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 4.3% (top 9%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-74 |
| Published | 2020-06-25 |
| 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-2018-21268?
traceroute: upgrade to newer than 1.0.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2018-21268 being exploited?
CVE-2018-21268 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-2018-21268 affect?
CVE-2018-21268 affects traceroute. Severity is critical (CVSS 10.0). The traceroute (aka node-traceroute) package through 1.0.0 for Node.js allows remote command injection via the host parameter. This occurs because the Child.exec() method, which is considered to be not entirely safe, is used. In particular,
How urgent is CVE-2018-21268?
Priority 68/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
Software pages
Related CVEs
- CVE-2023-46316 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE MITIGATE In buc Traceroute 2.0.12 through 2.1.2 before 2.1.3, the wrapper scripts do not properly parse command lines.