Is CVE-2023-32002 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2023-32002 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2023-32002 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2023-32002 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2023-32002?

CVE-2023-32002 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL).

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CRITICAL

CVE-2023-32002

NVD-CWE-noinfoPublished: August 21, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

9.8

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

The use of `Module._load()` can bypass the policy mechanism and require modules outside of the policy.json definition for a given module.

This vulnerability affects all users using the experimental policy mechanism in all active release lines: 16.x, 18.x and, 20.x.

Please note that at the time this CVE was issued, the policy is an experimental feature of Node.js.

NVD Source

Risk Analysis

Node.js contains a flaw where the Module._load function can bypass the policy mechanism, allowing modules to be loaded outside of the defined policy.json. This critical vulnerability impacts the security boundaries of the experimental policy feature.

No public exploit is known, and it is not in the CISA KEV. It is remotely exploitable with low complexity.

Recommended Action

Update to the latest Node.js release lines. If using the experimental policy mechanism, monitor for updates and consider disabling it if not strictly required.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2023-32002 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.8.