Keep Your Node.js Apps Secure with `npx is-my-node-vulnerable`

I discovered that the Node.js team maintains the is-my-node-vulnerable as an official security tool to help developers identify known vulnerabilities in their Node.js versions.

Behind the scenes, it’s comparing your process.version with the Node.js Security Database. The output is crystal clear - you’ll either see a celebratory “ALL GOOD” message or a detailed warning about specific vulnerabilities affecting your version.

Understanding Version Vulnerabilities

Node.js versions can contain security vulnerabilities that get discovered over time. For example, Node.js 20.3.0 had a vulnerability CVE-2023-30581 where the security policy mechanism could be bypassed using process.mainModule.proto.require()

The is-my-node-vulnerable package helps teams identify such vulnerabilities before they become problems. It’s a proactive approach to security that can save you from potential headaches down the line.

How to Use is-my-node-vulnerable

I’m using Node 20.5.1 in this example. Running npx is-my-node-vulnerable will check this version against the Node.js Security Database.

Yup! Lots of vulnerabilities in Node 20.5.1. Time to update to a more secure version.

For retro-compatibility enthusiasts: This module supports Node.js versions >= v0.12. However, npx does not work with those older versions, so you’ll need to install the package and run index.js manually. If you encounter errors when using npx, it’s likely because you’re using a vulnerable version of Node.js. Please consider upgrading.

The is-my-node-vulnerable package also provides a GitHub Action, just include the node-version in the yml file as follows in order to check a specific version.

Keep your Node.js versions secure by making this check part of your routine. That’s all there is to it.

• is-my-node-vulnerable on GitHub