CVE-2023-32558: The use of the deprecated API `process.binding()` can bypass the permission model through path traversal

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2023-32558 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting node.js. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The use of the deprecated API `process.binding()` can bypass the permission model through path traversal. This vulnerability affects all users using the experimental permission model in Node.js 20.x. Please note that at the time this CVE was issued, the permission model is an experimental feature of Node.js.

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	1.7% (top 22%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2023-09-12
Last modified	2026-11-02

Publisher (CNA): HackerOne · Vendor: nodejs

Last updated 2026-11-02 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-09-12 02:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-11-02 23:17 UTCUpdated Record last modified

nodejs node.js UPGRADE

Affected: >= 20.0.0 and < 20.5.1

Fixed in: 20.5.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 20.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy node.js || rpm -q node.js || node.js --version

2. UPGRADE to 20.5.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade node.js

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade node.js

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 20.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison node.js sudo apt install node.js=<VERSION_BEFORE_20.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold node.js

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list node.js sudo dnf downgrade node.js-<VERSION_BEFORE_20.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add node.js

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

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-2023-32558?

node.js: upgrade to 20.5.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-32558 being exploited?

CVE-2023-32558 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-2023-32558 affect?

CVE-2023-32558 affects node.js. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The use of the deprecated API `process.binding()` can bypass the permission model through path traversal. This vulnerability affects all users using the experimental permission model in Node.js 20.x. Please note that at the time this CVE

How urgent is CVE-2023-32558?

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

Software pages

Node.js vulnerabilities

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References

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