CVE-2020-15168

What it is

node-fetch before versions 2.6.1 and 3.0.0-beta.9 did not honor the size option after following a redirect, which means that when a content size was over the limit, a FetchError would never get thrown and the process would end without failure. For most people, this fix will have a little or no impact. However, if you are relying on node-fetch to gate files above a size, the impact could be significant, for example: If you don't double-check the size of the data after fetch() has completed, your JS thread could get tied up doing work on a large file (DoS) and/or cost you money in computing.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account, but needs a user to act. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

1.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2020-09-10 19:15 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: 1.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 2.6 LOW (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-09-10 19:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 02:56 UTC

Exploit probability

1.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-20 · Improper input validation

Record status

Modified

Affected

• node-fetch Project node-fetch < 2.6.1
• node-fetch Project node-fetch 3.0.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 2.6

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

Required

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

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-2020-15168.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-15168. 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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