nest: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2025-54782 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in nest from Nestjs, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected nest versions: < 0.2.1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 47.2% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 1.14% of all scored CVEs.
EPSS places it among the vulnerabilities most likely to be exploited soon.
What to do
- Update Devtools-integration to 0.2.1 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nestjs | nest | < 0.2.1 | Not stated |
| Nestjs | Devtools-integration | before 0.2.1 | 0.2.1 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 9.4 | Critical | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
Nest is a framework for building scalable Node.js server-side applications. In versions 0.2.0 and below, a critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability was discovered in the @nestjs/devtools-integration package. When enabled, the package exposes a local development HTTP server with an API endpoint that uses an unsafe JavaScript sandbox (safe-eval-like implementation). Due to improper sandboxing and missing cross-origin protections, any malicious website visited by a developer can execute arbitrary code on their local machine. The package adds HTTP endpoints to a locally running NestJS development server. One of these endpoints, /inspector/graph/interact, accepts JSON input containing a code field and executes the provided code in a Node.js vm.runInNewContext sandbox. This is fixed in version 0.2.1.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- github.com/JLLeitschuh/nestjs-devtools-integration-rce-pocExploit
- socket.dev/blog/nestjs-rce-vulnExploit, Third Party Advisory
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in nest
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.4 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.