CVE-2018-7158: The `'path'` module in the Node.js 4.x release line contains a potential regular expression denial of service

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2018-7158 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting node.js. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The `'path'` module in the Node.js 4.x release line contains a potential regular expression denial of service (ReDoS) vector. The code in question was replaced in Node.js 6.x and later so this vulnerability only impacts all versions of Node.js 4.x. The regular expression, `splitPathRe`, used within the `'path'` module for the various path parsing functions, including `path.dirname()`, `path.extname()` and `path.parse()` was structured in such a w

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	3.4% (top 11%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-185
Published	2018-05-17
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

2018-05-17 14:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-08 22:16 UTCUpdated Record last modified

nodejs node.js UPGRADE

Affected: >= 4.0.0 and <= 4.1.2 · >= 4.2.0 and <= 4.9.1

Fixed in: newer than 4.9.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 4.9.1 (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 4.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison node.js sudo apt install node.js=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0.0> 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_4.0.0> 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-2018-7158?

node.js: upgrade to newer than 4.9.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-7158 being exploited?

CVE-2018-7158 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-2018-7158 affect?

CVE-2018-7158 affects node.js. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The `'path'` module in the Node.js 4.x release line contains a potential regular expression denial of service (ReDoS) vector. The code in question was replaced in Node.js 6.x and later so this vulnerability only impacts all versions of Node

How urgent is CVE-2018-7158?

Priority 53/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Node.js vulnerabilities

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References

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