CVE-2026-43999: vm2 <3.11.0 NodeVM allowlist bypass, RCE
CVE-2026-43999 Published on May 13, 2026

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

NVD

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2026-43999 can be exploited with network access, and requires small amount of user privileges. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. Public availability of a proof of concept (POC) exploit exists for CVE-2026-43999. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to be critical as this vulnerability has a high impact to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of this component.

Attack Vector:
NETWORK
Attack Complexity:
LOW
Privileges Required:
LOW
User Interaction:
NONE
Scope:
CHANGED
Confidentiality Impact:
HIGH
Integrity Impact:
HIGH
Availability Impact:
HIGH

Weakness Types

What is an AuthZ Vulnerability?

The software performs an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action, but it does not correctly perform the check. This allows attackers to bypass intended access restrictions.

CVE-2026-43999 has been classified to as an AuthZ vulnerability or weakness.

Inclusion of Functionality from Untrusted Control Sphere

The software imports, requires, or includes executable functionality (such as a library) from a source that is outside of the intended control sphere.


Products Associated with CVE-2026-43999

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Affected Versions

patriksimek vm2: Red Hat Self-service automation portal 2: Red Hat Developer Hub:

Exploit Probability

EPSS
0.67%
Percentile
47.07%

EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.