CVE-2026-33938
Description
A flaw was found in Handlebars. A remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the @partial-block special variable within the template data context. By overwriting @partial-block with a specially crafted Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) through a helper, a subsequent invocation of {{> @partial-block}} will compile and execute the malicious AST. This enables arbitrary JavaScript execution on the server, leading to potential compromise of the system.
Statement
Important: A flaw in Handlebars allows arbitrary code execution when processing untrusted input. This occurs if an attacker can manipulate the @partial-block special variable through a helper, leading to the execution of a crafted Abstract Syntax Tree. Red Hat products are affected if they use Handlebars versions 4.0.0 through 4.7.8 in server-side applications where untrusted input can influence template data or context objects. Deployments utilizing the Handlebars runtime-only build are not vulnerable.
Mitigation
Applications using Handlebars should implement the runtime-only build (`require('handlebars/runtime')`) to prevent exploitation, as this build lacks the vulnerable `compile()` method. Additionally, review all registered helpers to ensure they do not write arbitrary values to context objects, and avoid using third-party helpers in contexts exposed to untrusted input.
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 | 8.1 | N/A | 8.1 |
| Attack Vector | Network | N/A | Network |
| Attack Complexity | High | N/A | High |
| Privileges Required | None | N/A | None |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | High | N/A | High |
| Integrity Impact | High | N/A | High |
| Availability Impact | High | N/A | High |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Read Application Data
Integrity
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
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