CVE-2023-23918

Name: CVE-2023-23918
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2023-02-23T20:15:13.92+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.5/10EPSS 2.02%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2023-23918 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.5/10 on the CVSS scale. A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in Node.js <19.6.1, <18.14.1, <16.19.1 and <14.21.3 that made it possible to bypass the experimental Permissions (https://nodejs.org/api/permissions.html) feature in Node.js and access non authorized modules by using process.mainModule.require(). This only affects users who had enabled the experimental permissions option with --experimental-policy.. EPSS estimates a 2.02% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in Node.js <19.6.1, <18.14.1, <16.19.1 and <14.21.3 that made it possible to bypass the experimental Permissions (https://nodejs.org/api/permissions.html) feature in Node.js and access non authorized modules by using process.mainModule.require(). This only affects users who had enabled the experimental permissions option with --experimental-policy.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.5/10

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

EPSS Probability

2.02%

78.5th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Nodejs	Node.Js	>= 14.0.0, <= 14.14.0
Nodejs	Node.Js	>= 14.0.0, < 14.21.3
Nodejs	Node.Js	>= 16.0.0, <= 16.12.0
Nodejs	Node.Js	>= 16.0.0, < 16.19.1
Nodejs	Node.Js	>= 18.0.0, <= 18.11.0
Nodejs	Node.Js	>= 18.0.0, < 18.14.1
Nodejs	Node.Js	>= 19.0.0, < 19.6.1

References

https://nodejs.org/en/blog/vulnerability/february-2023-security-releases/Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20230316-0008/
https://nodejs.org/en/blog/vulnerability/february-2023-security-releases/Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20230316-0008/

Timeline

Published: Feb 23, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-23918?

How severe is CVE-2023-23918?

CVE-2023-23918 has a CVSS score of 7.5/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.02% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-23918?

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.

Are you affected by CVE-2023-23918?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST