# CVE-2023-30585: Node.js 16 and 2 others: A vulnerability has been identified in the Node.js (.msi version) installation process, specifically…

CVE-2023-30585 is fixed in 3 products on 1 platform, first by Node.js 16 16.20.1, released June 20, 2023. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: High.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2023-30585
- Priority: High
- CVSS: 7.5
- EPSS: 0.0147
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: Nov 28, 2023
- Vendor advisory: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-30585

## Description

A vulnerability has been identified in the Node.js (.msi version) installation process, specifically affecting Windows users who install Node.js using the .msi installer. This vulnerability emerges during the repair operation, where the "msiexec.exe" process, running under the NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM context, attempts to read the %USERPROFILE% environment variable from the current user's registry.  The issue arises when the path referenced by the %USERPROFILE% environment variable does not exist. In such cases, the "msiexec.exe" process attempts to create the specified path in an unsafe manner, potentially leading to the creation of arbitrary folders in arbitrary locations.  The severity of this vulnerability is heightened by the fact that the %USERPROFILE% environment variable in the Windows registry can be modified by standard (or "non-privileged") users. Consequently, unprivileged actors, including malicious entities or trojans, can manipulate the environment variable key to deceive the privileged "msiexec.exe" process. This manipulation can result in the creation of folders in unintended and potentially malicious locations.  It is important to note that this vulnerability is specific to Windows users who install Node.js using the .msi installer. Users who opt for other installation methods are not affected by this particular issue.

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows apps | Node.js 16 | 16.20.1 | [Node.js 16 16.20.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/windows-app/openjs.nodejs.16-16.20.1.md) | Jun 20, 2023 |
| Windows apps | Node.js 18 | 18.16.1 | [Node.js 18 18.16.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/windows-app/openjs.nodejs.18-18.16.1.md) | Jun 20, 2023 |
| Windows apps | Node.js 20 | 20.3.1 | [Node.js 20 20.3.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/windows-app/openjs.nodejs.20-20.3.1.md) | Jun 20, 2023 |

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Data as of 2026-11-08T19:12:23Z UTC. Source: Patchblox Patch Radar (https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar). Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo

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