PatchTheCVECVE-2019-17221: PhantomJS through 2.1.1 has an arbitrary file read vulnerability, as demonstrated by an XMLHttpRequest for a f
CVE-2019-17221 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting phantomjs. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
PhantomJS through 2.1.1 has an arbitrary file read vulnerability, as demonstrated by an XMLHttpRequest for a file:// URI. The vulnerability exists in the page.open() function of the webpage module, which loads a specified URL and calls a given callback. An attacker can supply a specially crafted HTML file, as user input, that allows reading arbitrary files on the filesystem. For example, if page.render() is the function callback, this generates a
Why this priority
- High severity
- Public exploit reference
- 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-552 |
| Published | 2019-11-05 |
| 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-2019-17221?
phantomjs: upgrade to newer than 2.1.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2019-17221 being exploited?
CVE-2019-17221 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-2019-17221 affect?
CVE-2019-17221 affects phantomjs. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). PhantomJS through 2.1.1 has an arbitrary file read vulnerability, as demonstrated by an XMLHttpRequest for a file:// URI. The vulnerability exists in the page.open() function of the webpage module, which loads a specified URL and calls a gi
How urgent is CVE-2019-17221?
Priority 58/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action