CVE-2026-50021
Description
A flaw was found in pnpm, a package manager. An attacker who can modify the pnpm-lock.yaml file and control the package registry can exploit this vulnerability. By removing the integrity field from the lockfile and serving altered package content, the pnpm install --frozen-lockfile command can install malicious or altered software without integrity verification. This can lead to the execution of arbitrary code or other malicious activities on the system.
Statement
This is an Important supply chain vulnerability in pnpm that allows an attacker to bypass package integrity verification. By manipulating the pnpm-lock.yaml file to remove integrity checks and controlling the package registry, an attacker can cause pnpm install --frozen-lockfile to install malicious or altered packages without detection. This poses a significant risk in environments where both lockfile modification and registry control are possible, leading to potential arbitrary code execution.
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).
The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 7.5 | 8.1 | 6.8 |
| Attack Vector | Network | Network | Network |
| Attack Complexity | High | Low | High |
| Privileges Required | Low | Low | Low |
| User Interaction | None | None | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | High | High | High |
| Integrity Impact | High | High | High |
| Availability Impact | High | None | None |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Integrity,Availability,Confidentiality,Other
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Alter Execution Logic; Other
Executing untrusted code could compromise the control flow of the program. The untrusted code could execute attacker-controlled commands, read or modify sensitive resources, or prevent the software from functioning correctly for legitimate users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure what something means? Check out our Security Glossary.
Want to get errata notifications? Sign up here.