Critical Prototype Pollution Vulnerability in Node Handlebars - CVE-2019-19919

node-handlebars Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

20/12/2019
N/A
Yes i
Critical
9.8

CVE-2019-19919: Versions of handlebars prior to 4.3.0 are vulnerable to Prototype Pollution leading to Remote Code Execution. Affects node-handlebars versions < 3:4.5.3-1. Fixed in 3:4.5.3-1. How to fix ↓

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Background

Node Handlebars is a popular templating engine for Node.js, allowing developers to create dynamic web pages by embedding expressions in HTML. It is widely used for its simplicity and efficiency in rendering templates. However, versions prior to 4.3.0 are susceptible to a severe vulnerability that can lead to remote code execution through prototype pollution.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2019-19919, arises from the ability of templates to modify an Object's proto and defineGetter properties. This flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code by crafting malicious payloads that exploit the prototype pollution, potentially compromising the entire application and its data integrity.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

3:4.5.3-1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade node-handlebars

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Workaround

If immediate upgrading is not feasible, consider implementing input validation to sanitize user inputs and prevent the injection of malicious payloads. Additionally, avoid using untrusted templates until the upgrade is completed.

Conclusion

CVE-2019-19919 represents a critical vulnerability in Node Handlebars that can lead to severe security risks if not addressed. It is essential for developers to upgrade to the latest version and implement best practices to safeguard their applications against potential exploitation.

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FAQ

CVE-2019-19919 is a vulnerability in Node Handlebars that allows for prototype pollution, potentially leading to remote code execution.

All versions prior to 4.3.0 are vulnerable to this issue.

Exploitation of this vulnerability can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, compromising application security and data integrity.

You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.

The CVSS score for CVE-2019-19919 is 9.8, indicating a critical level of severity.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for node-handlebars.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

3:4.5.3-1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade node-handlebars

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

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