CVE-2026-43999

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

Published May 13, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 9.9 Critical EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
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.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
Github GHSA Github GHSA GHSA-947f-4v7f-x2v8 vm2 has a NodeVM builtin allowlist bypass via `module` builtin's `Module._load` that allows sandbox escape
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'poc', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Vm2 Project
Vm2 Project vm2
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:vm2_project:vm2:*:*:*:*:*:node.js:*:*
Vendors & Products Vm2 Project
Vm2 Project vm2
Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Patriksimek
Patriksimek vm2
Vendors & Products Patriksimek
Patriksimek vm2
Type Values Removed Values Added
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.
Title vm2: NodeVM builtin allowlist bypass via `module` builtin's `Module._load` allows sandbox escape
Weaknesses CWE-863
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 9.9, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
GitHub_M
Published
Updated
Sep 7, 2026, 12:05 PM
Reserved
May 4, 2026, 8:24 PM
Status
Modified
Published
May 13, 2026, 6:16 PM
Modified
Oct 26, 2026, 5:10 PM