CVE-2020-12265: The decompress package before 4.2.1 for Node.js is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Write via ../ in an archive me

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2020-12265 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting decompress. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The decompress package before 4.2.1 for Node.js is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Write via ../ in an archive member, when a symlink is used, because of Directory Traversal.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.1% (top 18%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22, CWE-59
Published	2020-04-26
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: decompress project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-04-26 17:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:51 UTCUpdated Record last modified

decompress project decompress UPGRADE

Affected: < 4.2.1

Fixed in: 4.2.1

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls decompress

2. UPGRADE to 4.2.1

npm install decompress@">=4.2.1"

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-2020-12265?

decompress: upgrade to 4.2.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-12265 being exploited?

CVE-2020-12265 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-2020-12265 affect?

CVE-2020-12265 affects decompress. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The decompress package before 4.2.1 for Node.js is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Write via ../ in an archive member, when a symlink is used, because of Directory Traversal.

How urgent is CVE-2020-12265?

Priority 65/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Node.js vulnerabilities

References

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