In late 2025, Cloudflare experienced two major outages that sent shockwaves through the digital world, impacting numerous high-profile websites and services. The first incident, on November 18, was attributed to a database permissions error, while the second, on December 5, saw major platforms like X and Canva go offline.
These disruptions not only affected internet users worldwide but also had implications for Cloudflare’s stock performance. The company’s shares experienced fluctuations in response to these technical challenges, reflecting investor concerns about the reliability of its network services.
Database Error Sparks November 18 Outage
On November 18, 2025, Cloudflare encountered a substantial network failure due to a change in database permissions. This alteration led to the creation of an oversized feature file for its Bot Management system, causing widespread disruptions. The network struggled to route internet traffic effectively, impacting numerous websites globally.
Initially, the issue was suspected to be a DDoS attack. However, further investigation revealed the true cause, allowing Cloudflare to revert to a previous version of the feature file. By 17:06 UTC, normal operations were restored, as confirmed by Matthew Prince on the Cloudflare Blog.
Second Outage Disrupts Major Sites, Exposing Cloudflare’s Risks
The second outage, on December 5, 2025, had far-reaching effects, taking down major websites like X, Substack, and Canva. The incident also affected DownDetector, a site that tracks online service issues, highlighting the widespread nature of the disruption.
Cloudflare’s response involved a thorough investigation and the implementation of a potential fix, with ongoing monitoring to ensure system stability. Some platforms, including Groww, reported temporary technical issues, underscoring the outage’s broad impact. Reports from The Independent and PA Deputy Business Editor highlighted the scale and significance of the incident.
Cloudflare Shares Slip as Investors Weigh Reliability Risks
Cloudflare’s stock, trading under the ticker NET, showed notable movements in response to the outages. Prior to the events, the stock closed at $204.35 but opened slightly lower at $203.81, reflecting initial market reactions. The current price settled at $204.15, with premarket trading indicating a dip to $199.86.
Despite the technical challenges, Cloudflare maintains a market cap of over $71 billion, with a recommendation key of “Buy.” The stock’s performance, including a 52-week high of $260.00, suggests investor confidence in its long-term prospects. However, the outages underscore the importance of maintaining reliable network services to support sustained growth.