Vulnerability · Published May 13, 2026 · Assigned by GitHub_M

CVE-2026-43999vm2: NodeVM builtin allowlist bypass via `module` builtin's `Module._load` allows sandbox escape

Critical 9.9

In plain English

A critical-severity incorrect authorization in vm2 from patriksimek. Proof-of-concept exploit code is public. The chance it is exploited in the next 30 days is estimated at 1.0% (higher than 62% of all known vulnerabilities). Fixed versions are available - upgrade the affected package.

Severity (CVSS 3.1)9.9Critical

Exploit odds (30 days)1.0%top 37.8% of all CVEs

Exploited in the wildNo reportsCISA SSVC: poc

Attack toolingNoneno public tooling known

Official description

vm2 is an open source vm/sandbox for Node.js. Prior to 3.11.0, NodeVM's builtin allowlist can be bypassed when the module builtin is allowed (including via the '*' wildcard). The module builtin exposes Node's Module._load(), which loads any module by name directly in the host context, completely bypassing vm2's builtin restriction. This allows sandboxed code to load excluded builtins like child_process and achieve remote code execution. This vulnerability is fixed in 3.11.0.

Affected packages & fixed versions

Ecosystem	Package	Fixed in	Advisory
npm	vm2	3.11.0	GHSA-947f-4v7f-x2v8

Affected products (as reported)

Vendor	Product	Versions
patriksimek	vm2	< 3.11.0

Weakness: CWE-863, CWE-829 · Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

References

https://github.com/patriksimek/vm2/security/advisories/GHSA-947f-4v7f-x2v8 x_refsource_CONFIRM
https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-43999 vdb-entry, x_refsource_REDHAT
RHBZ#2477196 issue-tracking, x_refsource_REDHAT
https://security.access.redhat.com/data/csaf/v2/vex/2026/cve-2026-43999.json x_sadp-csaf-vex
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:50850 vendor-advisory, x_refsource_REDHAT