Semver, a cornerstone library for semantic version parsing vital in the Node.js ecosystem, saw a minor version update from 1.0.5 to 1.0.6 in May 2011. While both versions share the same fundamental purpose – parsing semantic versions as used by npm – and identical descriptions, the subtle differences can be important for developers.
Both versions have no declared runtime dependencies, simplifying integration into projects. Development dependencies include tap for testing, indicating a commitment to code quality and verifying functionality during development. They share the same MIT license hosted on GitHub, promoting open-source usage and modification. The repository URL points to the same Git repository, confirming a shared codebase. Similarly, the dist property provides the relevant tarball URL for each version.
The key distinction lies in the version field and the releaseDate. Semver 1.0.6 was released on May 21, 2011, roughly two weeks after version 1.0.5, released on May 3, 2011. This increment suggests bug fixes, minor feature enhancements, or refinements occurred between these dates. For developers, choosing between these specific versions might depend on extremely precise requirements or a need to replicate historical behaviours. However, given the age and the semantic versioning indicating a patch or minor update, 1.0.6 is generally preferable assuming it addresses any identified issues present in 1.0.5, providing a more robust experience. Due to the project being very old it is also advisable to evaluate other possible libraries for modern development.
All the vulnerabilities related to the version 1.0.6 of the package
Regular Expression Denial of Service in semver
Versions 4.3.1 and earlier of semver
are affected by a regular expression denial of service vulnerability when extremely long version strings are parsed.
Update to version 4.3.2 or later
semver vulnerable to Regular Expression Denial of Service
Versions of the package semver before 7.5.2 on the 7.x branch, before 6.3.1 on the 6.x branch, and all other versions before 5.7.2 are vulnerable to Regular Expression Denial of Service (ReDoS) via the function new Range, when untrusted user data is provided as a range.