CVE-2026-47686
Received Received - Intake

Prototype Pollution in vm2 Sandbox via Error.cause

Publication date: 2026-08-17

Last updated on: 2026-08-17

Assigner: GitHub, Inc.

Description
vm2 is an open source vm/sandbox for Node.js. Prior to 3.11.6, handleException() in lib/setup-sandbox.js sanitizes SuppressedError.error, SuppressedError.suppressed, and AggregateError.errors but does not sanitize Error.cause, allowing sandbox code to obtain a powerful host object such as process from an embedder-exposed host function that throws an error with that object as its cause and then execute arbitrary host commands. This issue is fixed in version 3.11.6.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-17
Last Modified
2026-08-17
Generated
2026-08-18
AI Q&A
2026-08-18
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-47686

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
vm2 vm2 to 3.11.6 (inc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-693 The product does not use or incorrectly uses a protection mechanism that provides sufficient defense against directed attacks against the product.

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Executive Summary

vm2 is a sandbox for Node.js. A flaw in handleException() in lib/setup-sandbox.js fails to sanitize Error.cause, allowing sandbox code to access powerful host objects like process. This enables execution of arbitrary host commands.

Impact Analysis

An attacker with access to the sandbox could escape it, gain control of the host system, and execute malicious commands. This could lead to data theft, system compromise, or further network intrusions.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized data access or exfiltration, violating GDPR (data protection) and HIPAA (health data privacy). Non-compliance risks fines, legal action, and reputational damage.

Mitigation Strategies

Update vm2 to version 3.11.6 or later to address the vulnerability. If updating is not possible, consider removing or isolating the vm2 sandbox from untrusted environments.

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