CVE-2026-44292
Description
A flaw was found in protobufjs, a library that compiles protobuf definitions into JavaScript functions. This vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the internal structure of message objects. By providing a specially crafted input, an attacker could alter the prototype of individual message instances, potentially leading to unauthorized modification of data or unexpected application behavior, thereby impacting data integrity.
Statement
This is an Important vulnerability where protobufjs can be exploited for prototype pollution on individual message instances. Applications that construct protobufjs messages from attacker-controlled plain objects, particularly those parsing untrusted JSON input, are susceptible to data integrity issues through manipulation of the object's prototype chain. This does not affect global prototypes but can lead to unexpected application behavior.
Mitigation
To mitigate this issue, applications should avoid directly passing attacker-controlled plain objects to protobufjs message constructors. If processing untrusted JSON input, it is crucial to validate or sanitize object keys and explicitly reject any `__proto__` properties before constructing protobuf messages. This operational control prevents the manipulation of message instance prototypes.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 7.5 | N/A | 5.3 |
| Attack Vector | Network | N/A | Network |
| Attack Complexity | Low | N/A | Low |
| Privileges Required | None | N/A | None |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | None | N/A | None |
| Integrity Impact | High | N/A | Low |
| Availability Impact | None | N/A | None |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Integrity
Technical Impact: Modify Application Data
An attacker could modify sensitive data or program variables.
Integrity
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
Other,Integrity
Technical Impact: Varies by Context; Alter Execution Logic
Frequently Asked Questions
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