Cross-env is a valuable npm package meticulously designed to eliminate cross-platform inconsistencies when setting and utilizing environment variables in your scripts. Both versions 5.1.0 and 5.1.1 share the same core functionality: abstracting away the nuances of environment variable handling across different operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. This means developers can write NODE_ENV=development npm start without worrying about platform-specific syntax. Both versions declare the same dependencies, is-windows and cross-spawn, and development dependencies kcd-scripts, underlining a commitment to consistent tooling and dependency management. The license remains MIT, allowing for flexible usage within a range of projects.
The upgrade from version 5.1.0 to 5.1.1 represents a minor patch, evidenced by the version number bump and short time between releases (October 16th to October 27th, 2017). While the specific changes aren't detailed in the provided metadata, the update likely included bug fixes or minor improvements in stability or performance. As a result, migrating to 5.1.1 presents minimal risk and offers potentially enhanced reliability. Developers already using cross-env 5.1.0 should consider updating to ensure they benefit from the latest improvements. For new users, starting with the newer version (5.1.1) is generally advisable for the best out-of-the-box experience. The consistent authorship and repository details reinforce the project's established maintenance and should provide confidence in support and future updates.
All the vulnerabilities related to the version 5.1.1 of the package
Regular Expression Denial of Service (ReDoS) in cross-spawn
Versions of the package cross-spawn before 7.0.5 are vulnerable to Regular Expression Denial of Service (ReDoS) due to improper input sanitization. An attacker can increase the CPU usage and crash the program by crafting a very large and well crafted string.