CVE-2020-15149

What it is

NodeBB before version 1.14.3 has a bug introduced in version 1.12.2 in the validation logic that makes it possible to change the password of any user on a running NodeBB forum by sending a specially crafted socket.io call to the server. This could lead to a privilege escalation event due via an account takeover. As a workaround you may cherry-pick the following commit from the project's repository to your running instance of NodeBB: 16cee1b03ba3eee177834a1fdac4aa8a12b39d2a. This is fixed in version 1.14.3.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering.

Exploit odds

2.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2020-08-20 01:17 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 02:56 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 2.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 9.9 CRITICAL (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-08-20 01:17 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 02:56 UTC

Exploit probability

2.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-269 · Improper privilege management

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Nodebb < 1.14.3

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 9.9

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

Low

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2020-15149.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-15149. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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