CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-44293NVD status: Modified

protobuf.js: Improper Control of Generation of Code

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2026-44293 is a high-severity improper control of generation of code vulnerability in protobuf.js from Protobufjs, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected protobuf.js versions: < 7.5.6; >= 8.0.0, < 8.0.2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.41% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Protobufjs to 7.5.6 or 8.0.2, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Protobufjsprotobuf.js< 7.5.6; >= 8.0.0, < 8.0.2Not stated
Red HatRed Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6 for RHEL 9Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat Enterprise Linux 10Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat Developer Hub 1.9Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift AI 3.4Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.18Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.19Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.20Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.21Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.22Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift Service Mesh 3.3Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatOpenShift PipelinesNot specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat Build of Podman DesktopNot specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat Enterprise Linux 8Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat Enterprise Linux 9Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat Enterprise Linux AI (RHEL AI) 3Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat Hardened ImagesNot specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift AI (RHOAI)Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatRed Hat Openshift Data Foundation 4Not specified in the recordNot stated
Red HatSelf-service automation portal 2Not specified in the recordNot stated
Protobufjs ProjectProtobufjsbefore 7.5.6; 8.0.0 up to, but not including, 8.0.27.5.6, 8.0.2

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
LowA basic user account is enough.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 4.07.7HighCNA (github.com)
CVSS 3.18.8HighNVD
CVSS 3.17.1HighCNA

Official description

protobufjs compiles protobuf definitions into JavaScript (JS) functions. Prior to 7.5.6 and 8.0.2, protobufjs generated JavaScript for toObject conversion could include an unsafe expression derived from a schema-controlled bytes field default value. A crafted descriptor with a non-string default value for a bytes field could cause attacker-controlled code to be emitted into the generated conversion function. This vulnerability is fixed in 7.5.6 and 8.0.2.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Control of Generation of Code

The product constructs all or part of a code segment using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the syntax or behavior of the intended code segment.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Refactor your program so that you do not have to dynamically generate code.
  • Run your code in a jail or similar sandbox environment that enforces strict boundaries between the process and the operating system. This may effectively restrict which code can be executed by your product. Examples include the Unix chroot jail and AppArmor. In general, managed code may provide some protection. This may not be a feasible solution, and it only limits the impact to the operating system; the rest of your application may still be subject to compromise. Be careful to avoid CWE-243 and other weaknesses related to jails.
  • Use dynamic tools and techniques that interact with the product using large test suites with many diverse inputs, such as fuzz testing (fuzzing), robustness testing, and fault injection. The product's operation may slow down, but it should not become unstable, crash, or generate incorrect results.

More Improper Control of Generation of Code vulnerabilities (CWE-94)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in protobuf.js

All protobuf.js vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Control of Generation of Code vulnerabilities

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