How severe is CVE-2020-8252?

CVE-2020-8252 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-8252 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (49th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-8252?

CVE-2020-8252 primarily affects Nodejs Node.js. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-8252?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2020-8252 published?

CVE-2020-8252 was published on 2020-09-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-8252

CVE-2020-8252 is a high-severity vulnerability in Nodejs Node.js with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-120.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (49th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-120
Affected product: Nodejs Node.js
Published: 2020-09-18
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The implementation of realpath in libuv < 10.22.1, < 12.18.4, and < 14.9.0 used within Node.js incorrectly determined the buffer size which can result in a buffer overflow if the resolved path is longer than 256 bytes.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-8252?: The implementation of realpath in libuv < 10.22.1, < 12.18.4, and < 14.9.0 used within Node.js incorrectly determined the buffer size which can result in a buffer overflow if the resolved path is longer than 256 bytes.
How severe is CVE-2020-8252?: CVE-2020-8252 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-8252 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (49th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-8252?: CVE-2020-8252 primarily affects Nodejs Node.js. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-8252?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2020-8252 published?: CVE-2020-8252 was published on 2020-09-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:a:nodejs:node.js:*:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:nodejs:node.js:*:*:*:*:-:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:opensuse:leap:15.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:fedoraproject:fedora:33:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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