Denial of Service in express-fileupload
Summary
GHSA-q3w9-g74q-vp5f: Denial of Service in express-fileupload. Affects express-fileupload versions < 1.1.6-alpha.6. Fixed in 1.1.6-alpha.6. How to fix ↓
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Background
The express-fileupload package is an npm package used in Node.js applications to handle file uploads. It provides middleware for handling file uploads and is commonly used in Express.js applications. The package allows users to upload files to the server and provides various options for configuring the upload process.
Vulnerability Detail
Versions of express-fileupload prior to 1.1.6-alpha.6 are vulnerable to Denial of Service. The vulnerability occurs when a request contains a large filename parameter consisting of multiple . characters. This causes server responses to be delayed, potentially leading to a Denial of Service attack. In internal testing, the delay was observed to be up to 30 seconds.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 1.5.2 as of 23 Oct 2026
npm install express-fileupload@1.5.2Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
1.1.6-alpha.6
This is the first release that contains the fix.
npm install express-fileupload@1.1.6-alpha.6Tip — 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.
Conclusion
The express-fileupload package prior to version 1.1.6-alpha.6 is vulnerable to a Denial of Service attack. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to the latest version of the package. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for express-fileupload →
FAQ
The vulnerability can cause server responses to be delayed, potentially leading to a Denial of Service attack. This can impact the availability and performance of the affected application.
You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file and Vulert will analyze it for vulnerabilities in real-time.
No, only versions prior to 1.1.6-alpha.6 are affected by this vulnerability. It is recommended to upgrade to the latest version to ensure the security of your application.
Yes, upgrading to version 1.1.6-alpha.6 or later of the express-fileupload package fixes this vulnerability.
No, there is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. It is recommended to upgrade to the fixed version of the package.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for express-fileupload.
