OpenSSL Vulnerability in Node.js (CVE-2017-15896)

nodejs Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

11/12/2017
N/A
Yes i
Critical
9.1

CVE-2017-15896: Node.js was affected by OpenSSL vulnerability CVE-2017-3737 in regards to the use of SSL_read() due to TLS handshake failure. Affects nodejs across 2 version ranges.

>= 6dc12b1042d5d4727f77e8a1c5758dab91400069, < e6ea634901bd4c04ca1d87f642d992831ac8fb00 < 8.9.3-r0

Fixed in 8.9.3-r0. How to fix ↓

Free scan

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.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored Devnack Penetration testing for web, API and mobile Manual testing by engineers who build software, not an auditor's checklist. Trusted by teams at Swift and Google Talk to Devnack

Background

Node.js is a popular JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. It allows developers to build scalable network applications and is widely used for server-side scripting. The vulnerability CVE-2017-15896 affects Node.js due to the use of SSL_read() in the TLS handshake process. This vulnerability could be exploited by an active network attacker to bypass TLS authentication and encryption, allowing them to send application data to Node.js using the TLS or HTTP2 modules.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability CVE-2017-15896 in Node.js is a result of the OpenSSL vulnerability CVE-2017-3737. It occurs when there is a TLS handshake failure during the use of SSL_read(). This failure can be exploited by an attacker to send application data to Node.js without proper authentication and encryption. This could lead to unauthorized access, data leakage, and potential security breaches.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

8.9.3-r0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade nodejs

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Workaround

There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, updating Node.js to the fixed version is the recommended solution.

Conclusion

The vulnerability CVE-2017-15896 in Node.js, caused by the OpenSSL vulnerability CVE-2017-3737, can be mitigated by updating Node.js to version 8.9.3-r0 or later. This will ensure that the TLS handshake process is secure and properly authenticates and encrypts application data. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can reach out to DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for nodejs →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. It allows developers to build scalable network applications and is widely used for server-side scripting.

The vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass TLS authentication and encryption in Node.js, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data leakage, and security breaches.

To fix the vulnerability, update Node.js to version 8.9.3-r0 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the OpenSSL vulnerability CVE-2017-3737.

There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. Updating Node.js to the fixed version is the recommended solution.

For more information about this vulnerability, you can refer to the official CVE-2017-15896 documentation or contact the Node.js community for support.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for nodejs.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

8.9.3-r0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade nodejs

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback