CVE-2016-10530: Insecure Default Configuration in airbrake
Summary
CVE-2016-10530: Insecure Default Configuration in airbrake. Affects airbrake versions < 0.4.0. Fixed in 0.4.0. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The airbrake package is an npm module used for error tracking and monitoring in JavaScript applications. It allows developers to capture and report errors that occur during runtime. The package provides a convenient way to send environment variables over HTTP. However, prior to version 0.4.0, the default configuration of airbrake sent these variables over an unencrypted HTTP connection, making them vulnerable to interception by attackers with privileged network positions.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in airbrake arises from its insecure default configuration. When environment variables are sent over an unencrypted HTTP connection, an attacker with a privileged network position can intercept and read these variables. This can lead to the leakage of sensitive information, potentially compromising the security of the application. The vulnerability has a moderate severity rating and is classified under CWE-200.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 2.1.3 as of 22 Oct 2026
npm install airbrake@2.1.3Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
0.4.0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
npm install airbrake@0.4.0Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Conclusion
In summary, the airbrake package prior to version 0.4.0 has an insecure default configuration that sends environment variables over an unencrypted HTTP connection. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with privileged network positions to intercept and read sensitive information. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to update to the fixed versions of the package or migrate to the replacement module, airbrake-js. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for airbrake →
FAQ
The vulnerability allows attackers with privileged network positions to intercept and read environment variables sent by the airbrake package. This can result in the leakage of sensitive information, potentially compromising the security of the application.
You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Simply provide your package-lock.json file, and Vulert will analyze it in real-time to identify any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.
The recommended solution is to update to version 0.4.0 or later of the airbrake package. Alternatively, you can upgrade to the airbrake-js module, which is the replacement for the deprecated airbrake module. These updated versions ensure that environment variables are sent over a secure, encrypted connection, mitigating the risk of interception and information leakage.
There are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. The recommended solution is to update to the fixed versions of the airbrake package or migrate to airbrake-js.
No, this vulnerability is classified as having a moderate severity rating.
