CVE-2026-43997: vm2 is an open source vm/sandbox for Node.js

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CRITICAL 10.0REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2026-43997 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting vm2. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

vm2 is an open source vm/sandbox for Node.js. Prior to 3.11.0, it is possible to obtain the host Object. There are various ways to use the host Object, to escape the sandbox, one example would be using HostObject.getOwnPropertySymbols to obtain Symbol(nodejs.util.inspect.custom). This vulnerability is fixed in 3.11.0.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.0% (top 38%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-94, CWE-653
Published	2026-05-13
Last modified	2026-10-26

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: vm2 project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-13 18:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-26 17:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

vm2 project vm2 UPGRADE

Affected: < 3.11.0

Fixed in: 3.11.0

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls vm2

2. UPGRADE to 3.11.0

npm install vm2@">=3.11.0"

Exact fixes by distribution

npm · vm2 · FIXED · 3.11.0 · vulnerable: <= 3.10.5 · source

npm install vm2@">=3.11.0" npm ls vm2

Fedora 46 · fio · FIXED · 3.43-2.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-b36219886b · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-b36219886b

Fedora ELN · weston · FIXED · 16.0.2-1.eln159 · FEDORA-2026-b98ccaa6a0 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-b98ccaa6a0

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Write-up: github.com/patriksimek/vm2/security/advisories/GHSA-47x8-96vw-5wg6

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-2026-43997?

vm2: upgrade to 3.11.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-43997 being exploited?

CVE-2026-43997 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-2026-43997 affect?

CVE-2026-43997 affects vm2. Severity is critical (CVSS 10.0). vm2 is an open source vm/sandbox for Node.js. Prior to 3.11.0, it is possible to obtain the host Object. There are various ways to use the host Object, to escape the sandbox, one example would be using HostObject.getOwnPropertySymbols to ob

How urgent is CVE-2026-43997?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Node.js vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-24781 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE vm2 is an open source vm/sandbox for Node.js
CVE-2026-26956 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE vm2 is an open source vm/sandbox for Node.js
CVE-2026-24118 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE vm2 is an open source vm/sandbox for Node.js
CVE-2026-26332 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE vm2 is an open source vm/sandbox for Node.js
CVE-2026-44005 CRITICAL 10.0 UPGRADE vm2 is an open source vm/sandbox for Node.js

References

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