# CVE-2014-9772: Node.js validator XSS filter bypass via hex encoding

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2014-9772-node-js-validator-xss-filter-bypass-via-hex-encoding  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2017-01-23. Updated: 2026-05-13  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2014-9772 · Severity: medium · CVSS 6.1 · Published 2017-01-23

The validator library for Node.js, which is used to sanitize and validate user input, contains a flaw that allows attackers to bypass its security filters. By using hex-encoded characters, an attacker can inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This could lead to unauthorized actions being performed in a user's browser or the theft of sensitive session information.

Technologies: [Nodejs Node.Js](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/node-js), [validator (npm)](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/npm-validator). Vendors: [Nodejs](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/nodejs), [npm](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/npm).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2014-9772 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2014-9772 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2014-9772?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 6.1, published 23 January 2017.

**Which products and versions are affected?** validator (npm) SEMVER:introduced=0,fixed=2.0.0.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2014-9772?** Yes. validator (npm): upgrade to 2.0.0 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2014-9772 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2014-9772?** Check whether you run Nodejs Node.Js or validator (npm) at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- validator (npm): upgrade to 2.0.0 or later

  ```sh
  npm install validator@2.0.0
  ```


## Technical details

A cross-site scripting (XSS) filter bypass exists in the Node.js 'validator' package versions prior to 2.0.0. The vulnerability is caused by improper neutralization of hex-encoded characters within the input sanitization logic. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can exploit this by submitting specially crafted input containing hex-encoded strings that the filter fails to identify as malicious. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of a victim's browser session. The issue is resolved in version 2.0.0.

## Affected products

- Node.js validator < 2.0.0

## Identifiers

- CVE-2014-9772
- GHSA-79mx-88w7-8f7q

## Timeline

- 2014-09-30: disclosed: Initial disclosure of related Node.js vulnerabilities
- 2016-04-20: advisory: CVE assigned via Openwall mailing list
- 2017-01-23: advisory: NVD publication date

## References

- [http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/04/20/11](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/04/20/11)
- [http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/97102](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/97102)
- [https://nodesecurity.io/advisories/43](https://nodesecurity.io/advisories/43)

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