jupyterlab-desktop: URL Redirection to Untrusted Site
CVE-2026-86044 is a critical-severity URL redirection to untrusted site vulnerability in jupyterlab-desktop from Jupyterlab, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.6 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 jupyterlab-desktop versions: < 4.6.2-1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.31% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of jupyterlab-desktop 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.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jupyterlab | jupyterlab-desktop | < 4.6.2-1 | Not stated |
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
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
JupyterLab Desktop is the cross-platform desktop application for JupyterLab. Prior to 4.6.2-1, JupyterLab Desktop exposed getServerInfo to the renderer without confirming that the current page still had the local Jupyter server origin. In a local managed session using JupyterLab before 4.4.8, an attacker can place a crafted MathJax link in an untrusted notebook. If a victim opens the notebook and clicks the link, the existing renderer navigates to an attacker-controlled site while retaining access to the preload bridge. The site can call getServerInfo to obtain the local server URL and authentication token, then use the Jupyter REST API to create and trust a notebook that executes arbitrary code as the victim. Users whose environment already uses JupyterLab 4.4.8 or later are unaffected because the corrected link handling breaks the first step of the chain. This vulnerability is fixed in 4.6.2-1.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: URL Redirection to Untrusted Site
The web application accepts a user-controlled input that specifies a link to an external site, and uses that link in a redirect.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an intermediate disclaimer page that provides the user with a clear warning that they are leaving the current site. Implement a long timeout before the redirect occurs, or force the user to click on the link. Be careful to avoid XSS problems (CWE-79) when generating the disclaimer page.
- When the set of acceptable objects, such as filenames or URLs, is limited or known, create a mapping from a set of fixed input values (such as numeric IDs) to the actual filenames or URLs, and reject all other inputs. For example, ID 1 could map to /login.asp and ID 2 could map to http://www.example.com/. Features such as the ESAPI AccessReferenceMap provide this capability.
- Ensure that no externally-supplied requests are honored by requiring that all redirect requests include a unique nonce generated by the application. Be sure that the nonce is not predictable (CWE-330).
More URL Redirection to Untrusted Site vulnerabilities (CWE-601)
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
Patches and release notes
Other vulnerabilities in jupyterlab-desktop
- 9.4 Critical severity
Recent URL Redirection to Untrusted Site vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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