CVE-2018-12120: Node.js: All versions prior to Node.js 6.15.0: Debugger port 5858 listens on any interface by default: When the debugger is enabled with `node --debug...

Description

Node.js: All versions prior to Node.js 6.15.0: Debugger port 5858 listens on any interface by default: When the debugger is enabled with `node --debug` or `node debug`, it listens to port 5858 on all interfaces by default. This may allow remote computers to attach to the debug port and evaluate arbitrary JavaScript. The default interface is now localhost. It has always been possible to start the debugger on a specific interface, such as `node --debug=localhost`. The debugger was removed in Node.js 8 and replaced with the inspector, so no versions from 8 and later are vulnerable.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.1/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

4.28%

89.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Nodejs	Node.Js	>= 6.0.0, < 6.15.0

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/106040Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://nodejs.org/en/blog/vulnerability/november-2018-security-releases/Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/106040Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://nodejs.org/en/blog/vulnerability/november-2018-security-releases/Patch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 28, 2018
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2018-12120?

Node.js: All versions prior to Node.js 6.15.0: Debugger port 5858 listens on any interface by default: When the debugger is enabled with `node --debug` or `node debug`, it listens to port 5858 on all interfaces by default. This may allow remote computers to attach to the debug port and evaluate arbitrary JavaScript. The default interface is now localhost. It has always been possible to start the debugger on a specific interface, such as `node --debug=localhost`. The debugger was removed in Node.js 8 and replaced with the inspector, so no versions from 8 and later are vulnerable.

How severe is CVE-2018-12120?

CVE-2018-12120 has a CVSS score of 8.1/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 4.28% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2018-12120?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

How Strix Helps

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