CVE-2026-41646: Nuclei is a vulnerability scanner built on a simple YAML-based DSL

Routine

MEDIUM 5.5UPGRADE

CVE-2026-41646 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.5) affecting nuclei. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Nuclei is a vulnerability scanner built on a simple YAML-based DSL. From version 3.0.0 to before version 3.8.0, a vulnerability in Nuclei's JavaScript protocol runtime allows JavaScript templates to read local .js and .json files through the require() function, bypassing the default local file access restriction. This issue has been patched in version 3.8.0.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 99%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-284
Published	2026-05-08
Last modified	2026-10-26

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: projectdiscovery

Last updated 2026-10-26 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-08 04:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-26 00:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

projectdiscovery nuclei UPGRADE

Affected: >= 3.0.0 and < 3.8.0

Fixed in: 3.8.0

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 3.8.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade nuclei

Note

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

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison nuclei sudo apt install nuclei=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold nuclei

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list nuclei sudo dnf downgrade nuclei-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add nuclei

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

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-2026-41646?

nuclei: upgrade to 3.8.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-41646 being exploited?

CVE-2026-41646 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-2026-41646 affect?

CVE-2026-41646 affects nuclei. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). Nuclei is a vulnerability scanner built on a simple YAML-based DSL. From version 3.0.0 to before version 3.8.0, a vulnerability in Nuclei's JavaScript protocol runtime allows JavaScript templates to read local .js and .json files through th

How urgent is CVE-2026-41646?

Priority 20/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

References

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