CVE-2020-28502: This affects the package xmlhttprequest before 1.7.0; all versions of package xmlhttprequest-ssl

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HIGH 8.1REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2020-28502 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.1) affecting xmlhttprequest. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

This affects the package xmlhttprequest before 1.7.0; all versions of package xmlhttprequest-ssl. Provided requests are sent synchronously (async=False on xhr.open), malicious user input flowing into xhr.send could result in arbitrary code being injected and run.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 8%: 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	8.1 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	4.6% (top 8%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-94
Published	2021-03-05
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Snyk · Vendor: xmlhttprequest project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-03-05 18:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xmlhttprequest project xmlhttprequest UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.7.0

Fixed in: 1.7.0

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls xmlhttprequest

2. UPGRADE to 1.7.0

npm install xmlhttprequest@">=1.7.0"

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-2020-28502?

xmlhttprequest: upgrade to 1.7.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-28502 being exploited?

CVE-2020-28502 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-2020-28502 affect?

CVE-2020-28502 affects xmlhttprequest. Severity is high (CVSS 8.1). This affects the package xmlhttprequest before 1.7.0; all versions of package xmlhttprequest-ssl. Provided requests are sent synchronously (async=False on xhr.open), malicious user input flowing into xhr.send could result in arbitrary code

How urgent is CVE-2020-28502?

Priority 61/100. High severity; EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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