CVE-2026-42290: protobufjs-cli is the command line add-on for protobuf.js

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-42290?

protobufjs-cli: upgrade to 1.2.1, 2.0.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-42290 being exploited?

CVE-2026-42290 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-2026-42290 affect?

CVE-2026-42290 affects protobufjs-cli. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). protobufjs-cli is the command line add-on for protobuf.js. Prior to 1.2.1 and 2.0.2, pbts invoked JSDoc by building a shell command string from input file paths and executing it through child_process.exec. File paths containing shell metach

Routine

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2026-42290 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting protobufjs-cli. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

protobufjs-cli is the command line add-on for protobuf.js. Prior to 1.2.1 and 2.0.2, pbts invoked JSDoc by building a shell command string from input file paths and executing it through child_process.exec. File paths containing shell metacharacters could therefore be interpreted by the shell instead of being passed to JSDoc as plain arguments. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.2.1 and 2.0.2.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 97%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-78
Published	2026-05-13
Last modified	2026-06-17

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

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-13 16:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 10:47 UTCUpdated Record last modified

protobufjs project protobufjs-cli UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.2.1 · >= 2.0.0 and < 2.0.2

Fixed in: 1.2.1, 2.0.2

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.0

1. Check installed version

npm ls protobufjs-cli

2. UPGRADE to 1.2.1

npm install protobufjs-cli@">=1.2.1"

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0.0

npm view protobufjs-cli versions npm install protobufjs-cli@"<2.0.0"

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-2026-42290?

protobufjs-cli: upgrade to 1.2.1, 2.0.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-42290 being exploited?

CVE-2026-42290 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-2026-42290 affect?

CVE-2026-42290 affects protobufjs-cli. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). protobufjs-cli is the command line add-on for protobuf.js. Prior to 1.2.1 and 2.0.2, pbts invoked JSDoc by building a shell command string from input file paths and executing it through child_process.exec. File paths containing shell metach

How urgent is CVE-2026-42290?

Priority 28/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-54271 HIGH 8.2 UPGRADE protobufjs-cli is the command line add-on for protobuf.js
CVE-2026-54269 MEDIUM 5.3 UPGRADE UPGRADE protobufjs compiles protobuf definitions into JavaScript (JS) functions
CVE-2026-44295 HIGH 8.7 UPGRADE protobufjs-cli is the command line add-on for protobuf.js

References

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