CVE-2026-59874: node-tar is a tar archive manipulation library for Node.js

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2026-59874 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting tar. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

node-tar is a tar archive manipulation library for Node.js. Prior to 7.5.18, tar.replace accepts a checksum-valid tar header with a negative base-256 encoded entry size, causing the archive scanner to make no progress while repeatedly parsing the same header. This issue is fixed in version 7.5.18.

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	0.4% (top 63%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-835
Published	2026-07-08
Last modified	2026-10-25

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: isaacs

Last updated 2026-10-25 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-07-08 16:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-25 17:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

isaacs tar UPGRADE

Affected: < 7.5.18

Fixed in: 7.5.18

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls tar

2. UPGRADE to 7.5.18

npm install tar@">=7.5.18"

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-2026-59874?

tar: upgrade to 7.5.18. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-59874 being exploited?

CVE-2026-59874 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-2026-59874 affect?

CVE-2026-59874 affects tar. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). node-tar is a tar archive manipulation library for Node.js. Prior to 7.5.18, tar.replace accepts a checksum-valid tar header with a negative base-256 encoded entry size, causing the archive scanner to make no progress while repeatedly parsi

How urgent is CVE-2026-59874?

Priority 46/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Node.js vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-59873 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE node-tar is a tar archive manipulation library for Node.js

References

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