CVE-2018-7161: All versions of Node.js 8.x, 9.x, and 10.x are vulnerable and the severity is HIGH

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2018-7161 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.

All versions of Node.js 8.x, 9.x, and 10.x are vulnerable and the severity is HIGH. An attacker can cause a denial of service (DoS) by causing a node server providing an http2 server to crash. This can be accomplished by interacting with the http2 server in a manner that triggers a cleanup bug where objects are used in native code after they are no longer available. This has been addressed by updating the http2 implementation.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited
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	7.5% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2018-06-13
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

2018-06-13 16:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-08 22:16 UTCUpdated Record last modified

nodejs node.js UPGRADE

Affected: >= 8.0.0 and <= 8.8.1 · >= 8.9.0 and < 8.11.3 · >= 9.0.0 and < 9.11.2 · >= 10.0.0 and < 10.4.1

Fixed in: 8.11.3, 9.11.2, 10.4.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 8.11.3 (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 8.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison node.js sudo apt install node.js=<VERSION_BEFORE_8.0.0> 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_8.0.0> 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-2018-7161?

node.js: upgrade to 8.11.3, 9.11.2, 10.4.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-7161 being exploited?

CVE-2018-7161 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-2018-7161 affect?

CVE-2018-7161 affects node.js. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). All versions of Node.js 8.x, 9.x, and 10.x are vulnerable and the severity is HIGH. An attacker can cause a denial of service (DoS) by causing a node server providing an http2 server to crash. This can be accomplished by interacting with th

How urgent is CVE-2018-7161?

Priority 55/100. High severity; EPSS top 6%: 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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