CVE-2021-39176: detect-character-encoding is a package for detecting character encoding using ICU

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2021-39176 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting detect-character-encoding. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

detect-character-encoding is a package for detecting character encoding using ICU. In detect-character-encoding v0.3.0 and earlier, allocated memory is not released. The problem has been patched in detect-character-encoding v0.3.1.

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	1.9% (top 20%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-401
Published	2021-08-31
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: detect-character-encoding project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-08-31 18:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:03 UTCUpdated Record last modified

detect-character-encoding project detect-character-encoding UPGRADE

Affected: < 0.3.1

Fixed in: 0.3.1

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls detect-character-encoding

2. UPGRADE to 0.3.1

npm install detect-character-encoding@">=0.3.1"

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-2021-39176?

detect-character-encoding: upgrade to 0.3.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-39176 being exploited?

CVE-2021-39176 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-2021-39176 affect?

CVE-2021-39176 affects detect-character-encoding. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). detect-character-encoding is a package for detecting character encoding using ICU. In detect-character-encoding v0.3.0 and earlier, allocated memory is not released. The problem has been patched in detect-character-encoding v0.3.1.

How urgent is CVE-2021-39176?

Priority 56/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2021-39157 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE detect-character-encoding is an open source character encoding inspection library

References

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