CVE-2026-28338: PMD is an extensible multilanguage static code analyzer

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-28338?

pmd: upgrade to 7.22.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-28338 being exploited?

CVE-2026-28338 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2026-28338 affect?

CVE-2026-28338 affects pmd. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). PMD is an extensible multilanguage static code analyzer. Prior to version 7.22.0, PMD's `vbhtml` and `yahtml` report formats insert rule violation messages into HTML output without escaping. When PMD analyzes untrusted source code containin

Q: How urgent is CVE-2026-28338?

Priority 36/100. Public exploit reference

Routine

MEDIUM 6.8UPGRADE

CVE-2026-28338 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.8) affecting pmd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

PMD is an extensible multilanguage static code analyzer. Prior to version 7.22.0, PMD's `vbhtml` and `yahtml` report formats insert rule violation messages into HTML output without escaping. When PMD analyzes untrusted source code containing crafted string literals, the generated HTML report contains executable JavaScript that runs when opened in a browser. Practical impact is limited because `vbhtml` and `yahtml` are legacy formats rarely used i

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.8 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 72%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-79
Published	2026-02-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: pmd project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-02-27 21:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 10:28 UTCUpdated Record last modified

pmd project pmd UPGRADE

Affected: < 7.22.0

Fixed in: 7.22.0

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy pmd || rpm -q pmd || pmd --version

2. UPGRADE to 7.22.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade pmd

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade pmd

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-28338?

pmd: upgrade to 7.22.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-28338 being exploited?

CVE-2026-28338 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-28338 affect?

CVE-2026-28338 affects pmd. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). PMD is an extensible multilanguage static code analyzer. Prior to version 7.22.0, PMD's `vbhtml` and `yahtml` report formats insert rule violation messages into HTML output without escaping. When PMD analyzes untrusted source code containin

How urgent is CVE-2026-28338?

Priority 36/100. Public exploit reference

References

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