CVE-2026-41242
protobufjs has an arbitrary code execution issue
protobufjs compiles protobuf definitions into JavaScript (JS) functions. In versions prior to 8.0.1, 7.5.5, and 6.11.6, attackers can inject arbitrary code in the "type" fields of protobuf definitions, which will then execute during object decoding using that definition. Versions 8.0.1, 7.5.5, and 6.11.6 patch the issue.
Attack profile
How easy it is to exploit
- Attack vector
- Network
- Complexity
- Low
- Privileges needed
- Low
- User interaction
- None
What an attacker can affect
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- High
Exploit likelihood
What each source reports
CVE List Score used
9.4
protobufjs has an arbitrary code execution issue
protobufjs compiles protobuf definitions into JavaScript (JS) functions. In versions prior to 8.0.1, 7.5.5, and 6.11.6, attackers can inject arbitrary code in the "type" fields of protobuf definitions, which will then execute during object decoding using that definition. Versions 8.0.1, 7.5.5, and 6.11.6 patch the issue.
- Record
CVE-2026-41242- CVSS 4.0
- 9.4 Critical
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H - CVSS 3.1
- 8.8 High
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - Weakness
- CWE-94, CWE-94
- Updated
- 2026-11-03
EUVDEUVD-2026-23678
9.4
protobufjs compiles protobuf definitions into JavaScript (JS) functions. In versions prior to 8.0.1, 7.5.5, and 6.11.6, attackers can inject arbitrary code in the "type" fields of protobuf definitions, which will then execute during object decoding using that definition. Versions 8.0.1, 7.5.5, and 6.11.6 patch the issue.
- Record
EUVD-2026-23678- CVSS 4.0
- 9.4 Critical
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H - Updated
- 2026-11-03
GitHub AdvisoriesGHSA-xq3m-2v4x-88gg
9.4
protobufjs has an arbitrary code execution issue
Summary
protobufjs could execute generated JavaScript code derived from protobuf schema metadata. When loading a crafted JSON descriptor, schema-controlled type names and type references could reach runtime code generation without sufficient validation.
Impact
An attacker who can provide a malicious protobuf definition or JSON descriptor to an application may be able to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the process using protobufjs.
This requires control over the protobuf schema or descriptor being loaded. Applications that only decode messages using trusted, application-defined schemas are not directly affected by this issue.
Preconditions
- The application must allow an attacker to control or influence a protobuf definition or JSON descriptor.
- The application must load that definition through protobufjs reflection APIs such as descriptor loading.
- The affected generated-code path must be reached, for example by performing an operation on the loaded type.
Workarounds
Do not load protobuf definitions or JSON descriptors from untrusted sources with affected versions. If untrusted schemas must be accepted, validate or restrict them before loading and run schema processing in an isolated environment.
- Record
GHSA-xq3m-2v4x-88gg- CVSS 4.0
- 9.4 Critical
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H - CVSS 3.1
- 9.8 Critical
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - Weakness
- CWE-94
- Updated
- 2026-11-04
NVD
9.4
protobufjs compiles protobuf definitions into JavaScript (JS) functions. In versions prior to 8.0.1, 7.5.5, and 6.11.6, attackers can inject arbitrary code in the "type" fields of protobuf definitions, which will then execute during object decoding using that definition. Versions 8.0.1, 7.5.5, and 6.11.6 patch the issue.
- Record
CVE-2026-41242- CVSS 4.0
- 9.4 Critical
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X - CVSS 3.1
- 9.8 Critical
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - CVSS 3.1
- 8.8 High
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - Weakness
- CWE-94
- Updated
- 2026-11-03
OSV
9.4
protobufjs has an arbitrary code execution issue
protobufjs compiles protobuf definitions into JavaScript (JS) functions. In versions prior to 8.0.1, 7.5.5, and 6.11.6, attackers can inject arbitrary code in the "type" fields of protobuf definitions, which will then execute during object decoding using that definition. Versions 8.0.1, 7.5.5, and 6.11.6 patch the issue.
- Record
CVE-2026-41242- CVSS 4.0
- 9.4 Critical
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H - Weakness
- CWE-94
- Updated
- 2026-11-05
OSVGHSA-xq3m-2v4x-88gg
9.4
protobufjs has an arbitrary code execution issue
Summary
protobufjs could execute generated JavaScript code derived from protobuf schema metadata. When loading a crafted JSON descriptor, schema-controlled type names and type references could reach runtime code generation without sufficient validation.
Impact
An attacker who can provide a malicious protobuf definition or JSON descriptor to an application may be able to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the process using protobufjs.
This requires control over the protobuf schema or descriptor being loaded. Applications that only decode messages using trusted, application-defined schemas are not directly affected by this issue.
Preconditions
- The application must allow an attacker to control or influence a protobuf definition or JSON descriptor.
- The application must load that definition through protobufjs reflection APIs such as descriptor loading.
- The affected generated-code path must be reached, for example by performing an operation on the loaded type.
Workarounds
Do not load protobuf definitions or JSON descriptors from untrusted sources with affected versions. If untrusted schemas must be accepted, validate or restrict them before loading and run schema processing in an isolated environment.
- Record
GHSA-xq3m-2v4x-88gg- CVSS 4.0
- 9.4 Critical
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H - CVSS 3.1
- 9.8 Critical
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - Weakness
- CWE-94
- Updated
- 2026-11-04
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OSVROOT-APP-NPM-CVE-2026-41242
9.8
CVE-2026-41242 in protobufjs - Patched by Root
Root has patched CVE-2026-41242 in the protobufjs package for Root:npm. Multiple fixed versions available.
- Record
ROOT-APP-NPM-CVE-2026-41242- CVSS 3.1
- 9.8 Critical
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - Updated
- 2026-11-02
OSVCLSA-2026-1778114667 No score
TuxCare security update for protobufjs (1 CVE)
TuxCare rebuilt protobufjs to address 1 CVE. Fixed in 6.11.6-tuxcare.1.
- Record
CLSA-2026-1778114667- Updated
- 2026-11-02
OSVCLSA-2026-1784164061 No score
TuxCare security update for protobufjs (4 CVEs)
TuxCare rebuilt protobufjs to address 4 CVEs. Fixed in 6.10.2-tuxcare.1.
- Record
CLSA-2026-1784164061- Updated
- 2026-11-02
OSVCLSA-2026-1785380788 No score
TuxCare security update for protobufjs (3 CVEs)
TuxCare rebuilt protobufjs to address 3 CVEs. Fixed in 1.5.1-tuxcare.1.
- Record
CLSA-2026-1785380788- Updated
- 2026-11-02
OSVCLSA-2026-1785468075 No score
TuxCare security update for protobufjs (11 CVEs)
TuxCare rebuilt protobufjs to address 11 CVEs. Fixed in 6.8.8-tuxcare.1.
- Record
CLSA-2026-1785468075- Updated
- 2026-11-02
OSVCLSA-2026-1785468077 No score
TuxCare security update for protobufjs (7 CVEs)
TuxCare rebuilt protobufjs to address 7 CVEs. Fixed in 5.0.0-tuxcare.2.
- Record
CLSA-2026-1785468077- Updated
- 2026-11-02
OSVCLSA-2026-1791218903 No score
TuxCare security update for protobufjs (11 CVEs)
TuxCare rebuilt protobufjs to address 11 CVEs. Fixed in 7.4.0-tuxcare.1.
- Record
CLSA-2026-1791218903- Updated
- 2026-11-02
OSVCLSA-2026-1791293603 No score
TuxCare security update for protobufjs (12 CVEs)
TuxCare rebuilt protobufjs to address 12 CVEs. Fixed in 8.0.0-tuxcare.1.
- Record
CLSA-2026-1791293603- Updated
- 2026-11-02
OSVCLSA-2026-1792184156 No score
TuxCare security update for protobufjs (8 CVEs)
TuxCare rebuilt protobufjs to address 8 CVEs. Fixed in 6.11.3-tuxcare.2.
- Record
CLSA-2026-1792184156- Updated
- 2026-11-02
OSVCLSA-2026-1792411164 No score
TuxCare security update for protobufjs (4 CVEs)
TuxCare rebuilt protobufjs to address 4 CVEs. Fixed in 7.5.4-tuxcare.1.
- Record
CLSA-2026-1792411164- Updated
- 2026-11-02
OSVCLSA-2026-1792490720 No score
TuxCare security update for protobufjs (12 CVEs)
TuxCare rebuilt protobufjs to address 12 CVEs. Fixed in 3.8.2-tuxcare.1.
- Record
CLSA-2026-1792490720- Updated
- 2026-11-02
OSVUBUNTU-CVE-2026-41242 No score
(protobufjs compiles protobuf definitions into JavaScript (JS) function ...)
- Record
UBUNTU-CVE-2026-41242- Updated
- 2026-11-02
Affected products
- protobufjs project protobufjs
- protobufjs protobuf.js
- red hat cryostat 4
- red hat openshift pipelines
- red hat openshift service mesh 3
- red hat ansible automation platform 2
- red hat build of apicurio registry 3
- red hat build of podman desktop
- red hat ceph storage 9
- red hat developer hub
- red hat developer hub 1.8
- red hat developer hub 1.9
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- red hat enterprise linux 8
- red hat enterprise linux 9
- red hat enterprise linux ai (rhel ai) 3
- red hat hardened images
- red hat openshift ai (rhoai)
- red hat openshift ai 2.25
- red hat openshift ai 3.3
- red hat openshift container platform 4
- red hat openshift data foundation 4
- red hat openshift dev spaces 3.30
- red hat self-service automation portal 2
Affected packages
| Package | Affected | Fixed |
|---|---|---|
protobufjsnpm |
8.0.0 up to 8.0.1 | 8.0.1 |
protobufjsnpm |
7.0.0 up to 7.5.5 | 7.5.5 |
protobufjsnpm |
before 6.11.6 | 6.11.6 |
protobufjsTuxCare:npm |
6.11.6-tuxcare.0 up to 6.11.6-tuxcare.1, plus listed versions 6.11.6 |
6.11.6-tuxcare.1 |
protobufjsTuxCare:npm From an advisory covering 4 CVEs |
6.10.2-tuxcare.0 up to 6.10.2-tuxcare.1, plus listed versions 6.10.2 |
6.10.2-tuxcare.1 |
protobufjsTuxCare:npm From an advisory covering 3 CVEs |
1.5.1-tuxcare.0 up to 1.5.1-tuxcare.1, plus listed versions 1.5.1 |
1.5.1-tuxcare.1 |
protobufjsTuxCare:npm From an advisory covering 11 CVEs |
6.8.8-tuxcare.0 up to 6.8.8-tuxcare.1, plus listed versions 6.8.8 |
6.8.8-tuxcare.1 |
protobufjsTuxCare:npm From an advisory covering 7 CVEs |
5.0.0-tuxcare.0 up to 5.0.0-tuxcare.2, plus listed versions 5.0.05.0.0-tuxcare.1 |
5.0.0-tuxcare.2 |
protobufjsTuxCare:npm From an advisory covering 11 CVEs |
7.4.0-tuxcare.0 up to 7.4.0-tuxcare.1, plus listed versions 7.4.0 |
7.4.0-tuxcare.1 |
protobufjsTuxCare:npm From an advisory covering 12 CVEs |
8.0.0-tuxcare.0 up to 8.0.0-tuxcare.1, plus listed versions 8.0.0 |
8.0.0-tuxcare.1 |
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| Package | Affected | Fixed |
|---|---|---|
protobufjsTuxCare:npm From an advisory covering 8 CVEs |
6.11.3-tuxcare.0 up to 6.11.3-tuxcare.2, plus listed versions 6.11.36.11.3-tuxcare.1 |
6.11.3-tuxcare.2 |
protobufjsTuxCare:npm From an advisory covering 4 CVEs |
7.5.4-tuxcare.0 up to 7.5.4-tuxcare.1, plus listed versions 7.5.4 |
7.5.4-tuxcare.1 |
protobufjsTuxCare:npm From an advisory covering 12 CVEs |
3.8.2-tuxcare.0 up to 3.8.2-tuxcare.1, plus listed versions 3.8.2 |
3.8.2-tuxcare.1 |
protobufjsRoot:npm |
before 6.11.2-aikido.1 | 6.11.2-aikido.17.4.0-aikido.37.5.4-aikido.46.11.4-aikido.26.11.6-aikido.27.5.4-aikido.57.4.0-aikido.47.5.4-aikido.67.4.0-aikido.57.4.0-aikido.66.11.4-aikido.36.11.6-aikido.36.11.6-aikido.46.11.4-aikido.46.11.6-aikido.57.5.4-aikido.77.4.0-aikido.77.5.4-aikido.86.11.4-aikido.56.11.6-aikido.67.5.5-aikido.87.5.3-aikido.17.3.2-aikido.17.2.0-aikido.27.2.0-aikido.37.3.2-aikido.27.5.5-aikido.38.0.1-aikido.47.5.5-aikido.48.0.1-aikido.58.0.1-aikido.67.5.5-aikido.58.0.1-aikido.77.5.5-aikido.68.0.1-aikido.87.5.5-aikido.78.0.1-aikido.9 |
@rootio/protobufjsRoot:npm |
before 7.5.4-root.io.1 | 7.5.4-root.io.17.4.0-root.io.17.4.0-root.io.27.5.4-root.io.27.5.4-root.io.36.11.4-root.io.16.11.6-root.io.16.11.2-root.io.17.4.0-root.io.37.5.4-root.io.46.11.4-root.io.26.11.6-root.io.27.5.4-root.io.57.4.0-root.io.47.5.4-root.io.67.4.0-root.io.57.4.0-root.io.66.11.4-root.io.36.11.6-root.io.36.11.6-root.io.46.11.4-root.io.46.11.6-root.io.57.5.4-root.io.77.4.0-root.io.77.5.4-root.io.86.11.4-root.io.56.11.6-root.io.67.5.5-root.io.87.5.3-root.io.17.3.2-root.io.17.2.0-root.io.27.2.0-root.io.37.3.2-root.io.27.5.5-root.io.18.0.1-root.io.18.0.1-root.io.27.5.5-root.io.28.0.1-root.io.37.5.5-root.io.38.0.1-root.io.47.5.5-root.io.48.0.1-root.io.58.0.1-root.io.67.5.5-root.io.58.0.1-root.io.77.5.5-root.io.68.0.1-root.io.87.5.5-root.io.78.0.1-root.io.9 |
Public exploits
Links only. Every CVE stores no exploit code.
| Source | Link | Date |
|---|---|---|
| PoC in GitHub | 4chech/CVE-2026-41242 | 2026-04-26 |
| PoC in GitHub | Giangdurian/CVE-2026-41242 | 2026-08-07 |
History
| Recorded | Changed | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| affected | OSV | |
| affected, references | OSV | |
| affected | GitHub Advisories | |
| references | NVD, OSV | |
| description, references | CVE List | |
| facts, references | EUVD | |
| affected | ||
| first indexed | CVE List, EUVD, GitHub Advisories, NVD, OSV, PoC in GitHub |
Dates are when Every CVE recorded each change. Upstream dates may differ.
In short
CVE-2026-41242 is a critical vulnerability (CVSS 9.4) in Protobufjs Project Protobufjs, published April 16, 2026. Public exploit code exists. EPSS puts the chance of exploitation in the next 30 days at 0.77%, the 55th percentile. Fixed in protobufjs 8.0.1.
References
github.com/protobufjs/protobuf.js/security/advisories/GHSA-xq3m-2v4x-88gg
github.com/protobufjs/protobuf.js/commit/086916b4a52c9f73ce88956edbb38fc902e54bbf
github.com/protobufjs/protobuf.js/commit/535df444ac060243722ac5d672db205e5c531d75
github.com/protobufjs/protobuf.js/commit/ff7b2afef8754837cc6dc64c864cd111ab477956
access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:21338
access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:24977
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access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:26234
access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:37275
access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:62260
access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-41242
bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2459442
github.com/protobufjs/protobuf.js/releases/tag/protobufjs-v7.5.5
github.com/protobufjs/protobuf.js/releases/tag/protobufjs-v8.0.1
github.com/protobufjs/protobuf.js/tree/v6.11.6
security.access.redhat.com/data/csaf/v2/vex/2026/cve-2026-41242.json
nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-41242
github.com/advisories/GHSA-xq3m-2v4x-88gg
github.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/tree/main/cves/2026/41xxx/CVE-2026-41242.json
github.com/protobufjs/protobuf.js
ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-41242
cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-41242