CVE-2026-44728: Babel is a compiler for writing next generation JavaScript

Routine

HIGH 8.2UPGRADE

CVE-2026-44728 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.2) affecting babel. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Babel is a compiler for writing next generation JavaScript. From 7.12.0 to before 7.29.4 and 8.0.0-alpha.13, using Babel to compile code that was specifically crafted by an attacker can cause Babel to generate output code that executes arbitrary code. This vulnerability is fixed in 7.29.4 and 8.0.0-alpha.13.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.2 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 98%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-94, CWE-843
Published	2026-05-26
Last modified	2026-07-24

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

Last updated 2026-07-24 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-26 18:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-07-24 11:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

babel babel UPGRADE

Affected: >= 7.12.0 and < 7.29.4 · 8.0.0 alpha0 · 8.0.0 alpha1 · 8.0.0 alpha10 · 8.0.0 alpha11 · 8.0.0 alpha12 · 8.0.0 alpha2 · 8.0.0 alpha3

Fixed in: 7.29.4

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.12.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 7.29.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade babel

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 7.12.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison babel sudo apt install babel=<VERSION_BEFORE_7.12.0> sudo apt-mark hold babel

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

dnf --showduplicates list babel sudo dnf downgrade babel-<VERSION_BEFORE_7.12.0> sudo dnf versionlock add babel

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-2026-44728?

babel: upgrade to 7.29.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-44728 being exploited?

CVE-2026-44728 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-2026-44728 affect?

CVE-2026-44728 affects babel. Severity is high (CVSS 8.2). Babel is a compiler for writing next generation JavaScript. From 7.12.0 to before 7.29.4 and 8.0.0-alpha.13, using Babel to compile code that was specifically crafted by an attacker can cause Babel to generate output code that executes arbi

How urgent is CVE-2026-44728?

Priority 29/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-49356 LOW 3.2 UPGRADE Babel is a compiler for writing next generation JavaScript

References

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