CVE-2026-15921

What it is

Node Version Manager (nvm) is a POSIX-compliant shell function for managing multiple node.js versions. In versions 0.32.1 through 0.40.5, `nvm ls-remote` (and other commands that refresh remote LTS aliases, such as `nvm install --lts`) parse the node.js mirror's `index.tab` and use each release's LTS codename field as an alias filename without validating it. A malicious, compromised, or man-in-the-middled mirror can return an LTS codename containing path-traversal sequences such as `../../../.bashrc`, causing nvm to write the associated version string to a path outside `$NVM_DIR/alias`. With the default layout (`$NVM_DIR` is `~/.nvm`), this can create or overwrite files in the user's home directory, including shell startup files, which can lead to code execution in a later shell session. Exploitation requires the victim to use a hostile mirror -- via a compromised mirror or CDN, a network man-in-the-middle, or a maliciously configured `NVM_NODEJS_ORG_MIRROR`/`NVM_IOJS_ORG_MIRROR` -- and to run an affected command. Version 0.40.6 validates remote LTS codenames as safe alias filenames and rejects `..` path components when writing alias files.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in, but needs a user to act. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-07-15 22:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-24 21:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 2.1 LOW (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-07-15 22:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-24 21:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-22 · Path traversal

Record status

Awaiting Analysis

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 2.1

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Attack requirements

Present

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Active

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

Low

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-2026-15921.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-15921. 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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