CVE-2021-45459: lib/cmd.js in the node-windows package before 1.0.0-beta.6 for Node.js allows command injection via the PID pa

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2021-45459 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting node-windows. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

lib/cmd.js in the node-windows package before 1.0.0-beta.6 for Node.js allows command injection via the PID parameter.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 9%: 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	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	4.1% (top 9%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-77
Published	2021-12-22
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: node-windows project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-12-22 06:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:13 UTCUpdated Record last modified

node-windows project node-windows UPGRADE

Affected: <= 0.1.14 · 1.0.0 beta1 · 1.0.0 beta2 · 1.0.0 beta3 · 1.0.0 beta4 · 1.0.0 beta5

Fixed in: newer than 0.1.14

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls node-windows

2. UPGRADE to newer than 0.1.14

npm install node-windows@">0.1.14"

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-2021-45459?

node-windows: upgrade to newer than 0.1.14. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-45459 being exploited?

CVE-2021-45459 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-2021-45459 affect?

CVE-2021-45459 affects node-windows. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). lib/cmd.js in the node-windows package before 1.0.0-beta.6 for Node.js allows command injection via the PID parameter.

How urgent is CVE-2021-45459?

Priority 67/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Node.js vulnerabilities · Windows vulnerabilities

References

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