PatchTheCVECVE-2021-31597: The xmlhttprequest-ssl package before 1.6.1 for Node.js disables SSL certificate validation by default, becaus
CVE-2021-31597 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.4) affecting xmlhttprequest-ssl. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
The xmlhttprequest-ssl package before 1.6.1 for Node.js disables SSL certificate validation by default, because rejectUnauthorized (when the property exists but is undefined) is considered to be false within the https.request function of Node.js. In other words, no certificate is ever rejected.
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 | 9.4 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 2.0% (top 19%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-295 |
| Published | 2021-04-23 |
| 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-2021-31597?
xmlhttprequest-ssl: upgrade to 1.6.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2021-31597 being exploited?
CVE-2021-31597 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-2021-31597 affect?
CVE-2021-31597 affects xmlhttprequest-ssl. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.4). The xmlhttprequest-ssl package before 1.6.1 for Node.js disables SSL certificate validation by default, because rejectUnauthorized (when the property exists but is undefined) is considered to be false within the https.request function of No
How urgent is CVE-2021-31597?
Priority 63/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action