NGINX JS Access Bypass via Async njs/qjs Exception
CVE-2026-18329 Published on September 2, 2026
NGINX ngx_http_js_module vulnerability
Description
NGINX JavaScript (njs) and QuickJS (qjs) engines have a vulnerability when a js_access handler performs asynchronous request body processing and an exception is thrown during asynchronous access-control evaluation before an explicit access denial is returned. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request that triggers an error condition in the access validation logic. This may cause the js_access phase to fail open, allowing the request to proceed instead of being denied, resulting in an authentication or authorization bypass and unauthorized access to protected resources.
Impact
This vulnerability may allow remote attackers to bypass js_access controls. There is no control plane exposure; this is a data plane issue only.
Note: Software versions which have reached End of Technical Support (EoTS) are not evaluated.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-18329 can be exploited with network access, and does not require authorization privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have a high impact on confidentiality, with no impact on integrity, and no impact on availability.
Weakness Type
What is a Failing Open Vulnerability?
When the product encounters an error condition or failure, its design requires it to fall back to a state that is less secure than other options that are available, such as selecting the weakest encryption algorithm or using the most permissive access control restrictions. By entering a less secure state, the product inherits the weaknesses associated with that state, making it easier to compromise. At the least, it causes administrators to have a false sense of security. This weakness typically occurs as a result of wanting to "fail functional" to minimize administration and support costs, instead of "failing safe."
CVE-2026-18329 has been classified to as a Failing Open vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-18329
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Affected Versions
F5 NGINX JavaScript:- Version 1.0.0 and below 1.0.1 is affected.
- Version 0.9.9 and below * is affected.