cvedb.io
CVE-2021-43616
CRITICAL · CVSS 9
EPSS exploitation probability: 0%
Published 2021-11-13T18:15:07.537 · Last modified 2026-06-17T04:11:12.010

Summary

The npm ci command in npm 7.x and 8.x through 8.1.3 proceeds with an installation even if dependency information in package-lock.json differs from package.json. This behavior is inconsistent with the documentation, and makes it easier for attackers to install malware that was supposed to have been blocked by an exact version match requirement in package-lock.json. NOTE: The npm team believes this is not a vulnerability. It would require someone to socially engineer package.json which has different dependencies than package-lock.json. That user would have to have file system or write access to change dependencies. The npm team states preventing malicious actors from socially engineering or gaining file system access is outside the scope of the npm CLI.

Affected products

npmjs — npm

Does this affect you?

Add your gear to cvedb and we'll alert you only when npmjs ships something exploited.

Check my exposure →

References

This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Informational only; not professional security advice.