CVE-2021-32820: Express-handlebars is a Handlebars view engine for Express

This week

HIGH 8.6REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2021-32820 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.6) affecting express handlebars. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Express-handlebars is a Handlebars view engine for Express. Express-handlebars mixes pure template data with engine configuration options through the Express render API. More specifically, the layout parameter may trigger file disclosure vulnerabilities in downstream applications. This potential vulnerability is somewhat restricted in that only files with existing extentions (i.e. file.extension) can be included, files that lack an extension will

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 3%: 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	8.6 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	15.7% (top 3%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-200, CWE-94
Published	2021-05-14
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: express handlebars project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-05-14 19:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:53 UTCUpdated Record last modified

express handlebars project express handlebars UPGRADE

Affected: <= 5.3.2

Fixed in: newer than 5.3.2

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls express-handlebars

2. UPGRADE to newer than 5.3.2

npm install express-handlebars@">5.3.2"

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Nuclei scan template: Express-handlebars - Local File Inclusion

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-2021-32820?

express handlebars: upgrade to newer than 5.3.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-32820 being exploited?

CVE-2021-32820 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-2021-32820 affect?

CVE-2021-32820 affects express handlebars. Severity is high (CVSS 8.6). Express-handlebars is a Handlebars view engine for Express. Express-handlebars mixes pure template data with engine configuration options through the Express render API. More specifically, the layout parameter may trigger file disclosure vu

How urgent is CVE-2021-32820?

Priority 64/100. High severity; EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2021-32817 MEDIUM 5.4 UPGRADE express-hbs is an Express handlebars template engine

References

← Back to latest CVEs