# CVE-2025-55130: Node.js permission model bypass via crafted symlinks

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2025-55130-node-js-permission-model-bypass-via-crafted-symlinks  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-01-20. Updated: 2026-06-30  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2025-55130 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.1 · Published 2026-01-20

A security flaw has been identified in Node.js's permission system, which is used to restrict what files a script can access. An attacker can use specially crafted file shortcuts (symlinks) to trick the system into granting access to sensitive files outside of the allowed folders. This could lead to unauthorized viewing or modification of critical system data, potentially compromising the entire server.

Technologies: [Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/enterprise-linux-appstream). Vendors: [Red Hat](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/red-hat).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2025-55130 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2025-55130 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2025-55130?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.1, published 20 January 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream 8, 9, 10.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2025-55130?** A patch was published on 2026-01-13: Node.js security releases published Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2025-55130 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2025-55130?** Check whether you run Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream 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.

## Technical details

A path traversal vulnerability exists in the Node.js Permission Model (experimental) due to improper handling of relative symbolic links. By chaining directories and symlinks, an attacker can bypass the restrictions imposed by the --allow-fs-read and --allow-fs-write flags. This allows a script that should be restricted to a specific directory to access or modify arbitrary files on the host file system. The vulnerability affects Node.js versions 20.x, 22.x, 24.x, and 25.x. Users are advised to update to the security releases provided in January 2026.

## Affected products

- Node.js Foundation Node.js 20.x, 22.x, 24.x, 25.x
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream 8, 9, 10

## Timeline

- 2026-01-13: patched: Node.js security releases published
- 2026-01-20: disclosed: NVD publication date
- 2026-02-03: advisory: Red Hat security advisory issued

## References

- [https://nodejs.org/en/blog/vulnerability/december-2025-security-releases](https://nodejs.org/en/blog/vulnerability/december-2025-security-releases)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:1842](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:1842)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:1843](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:1843)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:2420](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:2420)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:2421](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:2421)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:2422](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:2422)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:2767](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:2767)

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