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CVE-2015-8861 Handlebars.js Project CVE debrief

CVE-2015-8861 describes a cross-site scripting flaw in handlebars.js for Node.js versions before 4.0.0. According to NVD, the issue can be triggered through a template that uses an attribute without quotes, which can lead to client-side script execution in affected web applications.

Vendor
Handlebars.js Project
Product
Handlebars.js
CVSS
MEDIUM 6.1
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2017-01-23
Original CVE updated
2026-05-13
Advisory published
2017-01-23
Advisory updated
2026-05-13

Who should care

Teams that build or maintain Node.js applications using handlebars.js before 4.0.0, especially applications that render HTML templates and may output user-influenced content.

Technical summary

NVD classifies the weakness as CWE-79 and assigns CVSS 3.1 vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N (6.1, Medium). The affected version range is limited to handlebars.js versions earlier than 4.0.0. The vulnerability is tied to templates that contain an unquoted attribute, which can enable XSS when rendered in a browser.

Defensive priority

Medium. The issue requires user interaction but can affect browser-exposed applications that render HTML from affected templates, so upgrading and template review are worthwhile if handlebars.js is in use.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Upgrade handlebars.js to version 4.0.0 or later.
  • Audit templates for unquoted HTML attributes and correct them to quoted form.
  • Review any template paths that render untrusted or user-influenced data.
  • Validate rendered output with security-focused testing or code review.
  • Check the NVD record and linked advisories for any product-specific guidance.

Evidence notes

The vulnerability description, version boundary, and CWE come from NVD. The CVSS vector and score are taken from the supplied NVD data. The linked references include a mailing-list disclosure, third-party advisories, and a sourceclear write-up; no exploit code or weaponized reproduction is included here.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2015-8861 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2015-8861

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2015-8861 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2015-8861

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.