CVE-2021-32820

What it is

Express-handlebars is a Handlebars view engine for Express. Express-handlebars mixes pure template data with engine configuration options through the Express render API. More specifically, the layout parameter may trigger file disclosure vulnerabilities in downstream applications. This potential vulnerability is somewhat restricted in that only files with existing extentions (i.e. file.extension) can be included, files that lack an extension will have .handlebars appended to them. For complete details refer to the referenced GHSL-2021-018 report. Notes in documentation have been added to help users avoid this potential information exposure vulnerability.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure.

Exploit odds

15.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS). Higher than most.

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2021-05-14 19:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 03:53 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 15.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.6 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2021-05-14 19:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 03:53 UTC

Exploit probability

15.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-200 · Information exposure

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Express Handlebars Project Express Handlebars ≤ 5.3.2

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.6

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

None

Availability

None

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-2021-32820.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-32820. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

Copy as ticket · More options · Status badge