exceljs: Incomplete Cleanup
CVE-2026-128346 is a high-severity incomplete cleanup vulnerability in exceljs, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected exceljs versions: 4.4.0 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.55% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of exceljs you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- 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.
Affected products and versions
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
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.7 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
Official description
ExcelJS through 4.4.0 contains a resource leak vulnerability in the streaming WorkbookReader.parse that leaves temporary files and open descriptors when sheet parsing fails or iteration stops early. Attackers can repeatedly upload malformed multi-sheet workbooks with worksheets placed before xl/sharedStrings.xml to fill the temporary directory and exhaust file descriptors.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Incomplete Cleanup
The product does not properly clean up and remove temporary or supporting resources after they have been used.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Temporary files and other supporting resources should be deleted/released immediately after they are no longer needed.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
References
Other references
- github.com/exceljs/exceljs
- github.com/exceljs/exceljs/blob/v4.4.0/lib/stream/xlsx/workbook-reader.js#L111-L128
- github.com/exceljs/exceljs/blob/v4.4.0/lib/stream/xlsx/workbook-reader.js#L140-L149
- vulncheck.com/advisories/exceljs-through-4.4.0-resource-exhaustion-via-streaming-workbookreader-temporary-fil…
Other vulnerabilities in exceljs
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Incomplete Cleanup vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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