CVE-2026-43998

What it is

vm2 is an open source vm/sandbox for Node.js. In 3.10.5, NodeVM's require.root path restriction can be bypassed using filesystem symlinks, allowing sandboxed code to load modules from outside the allowed root directory in host context. Because path validation uses path.resolve() (which does not dereference symlinks) but module loading uses Node's native require() (which does), an attacker can load arbitrary host-realm modules and achieve remote code execution. This vulnerability is fixed in 3.11.0.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-05-13 18:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-26 17:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.5 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-05-13 18:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-26 17:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-59

Record status

Modified

Affected

• vm2 Project vm2 3.10.5

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-43998.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-43998. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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