Node.js's futimes() Permission Check Bypass
CVE-2025-55132 Published on January 20, 2026
A flaw in Node.js's permission model allows a file's access and modification timestamps to be changed via `futimes()` even when the process has only read permissions. Unlike `utimes()`, `futimes()` does not apply the expected write-permission checks, which means file metadata can be modified in read-only directories. This behavior could be used to alter timestamps in ways that obscure activity, reducing the reliability of logs. This vulnerability affects users of the permission model on Node.js v20, v22, v24, and v25.
Weakness Type
Incorrect Default Permissions
During installation, installed file permissions are set to allow anyone to modify those files.
Affected Versions
nodejs node:- Version 20.19.6, <= 20.19.6 is affected.
- Version 22.21.1, <= 22.21.1 is affected.
- Version 24.12.0, <= 24.12.0 is affected.
- Version 25.2.1, <= 25.2.1 is affected.
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.