File disclosure in Express Handlebars
Description
Express-handlebars is a Handlebars view engine for Express. Express-handlebars mixes pure template data with engine configuration options through the Express render API. More specifically, the layout parameter may trigger file disclosure vulnerabilities in downstream applications. This potential vulnerability is somewhat restricted in that only files with existing extentions (i.e. file.extension) can be included, files that lack an extension will have .handlebars appended to them. For complete details refer to the referenced GHSL-2021-018 report. Notes in documentation have been added to help users avoid this potential information exposure vulnerability.
AI Insight
LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.
Affected packages
Versions sourced from the GitHub Security Advisory.
| Package | Affected versions | Patched versions |
|---|---|---|
express-handlebarsnpm | < 5.3.1 | 5.3.1 |
Affected products
3- osv-coords2 versions
< 5.3.3+ 1 more
- (no CPE)range: < 5.3.3
- (no CPE)range: < 5.3.1
- express-handlebars/express-handlebarsv5Range: <= 5.3.2
Patches
Vulnerability mechanics
Generated on May 9, 2026. Inputs: CWE entries + fix-commit diffs from this CVE's patches. Citations validated against bundle.
References
8- github.com/advisories/GHSA-fr76-2wp8-fp92ghsaADVISORY
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-32820ghsaADVISORY
- securitylab.github.com/advisories/GHSL-2021-018-express-handlebarsghsaADVISORY
- github.com/express-handlebars/express-handlebars/blob/78c47a235c4ad7bc2674bddd8ec2721567ed8c72/README.mdghsax_refsource_MISCWEB
- github.com/express-handlebars/express-handlebars/commit/78c47a235c4ad7bc2674bddd8ec2721567ed8c72ghsax_refsource_MISCWEB
- github.com/express-handlebars/express-handlebars/pull/163ghsax_refsource_MISCWEB
- securitylab.github.com/advisories/GHSL-2021-018-express-handlebars/mitrex_refsource_CONFIRM
- www.npmjs.com/package/express-handlebarsghsax_refsource_MISCWEB
News mentions
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