CVE-2026-43998

vm2 is an open source vm/sandbox for Node.js. In 3.10.5, NodeVM's require.root path restriction can be bypassed using filesystem symlinks, allowing sandboxed code to load modules from outside the allowed root directory in host context. Because path validation uses path.resolve() (which does not dereference symlinks) but module loading uses Node's native require() (which does), an attacker can load arbitrary host-realm modules and achieve remote code execution. This vulnerability is fixed in 3.11.0.

What this means for your business

It affects Vm2 Project Vm2. It matters if your company, or a supplier that handles your data, runs it.
Code showing how to exploit it has been published, but real attacks have not been confirmed.
An attacker can use it remotely, over a network, with an ordinary user login, and without anyone at your company clicking anything.
FIRST's prediction model gives it a 0.7% chance of attack attempts being seen in the next 30 days, ranking above 51% of all known flaws.

What to do

1Check whether your company or your suppliers run Vm2 Project Vm2, and which version. The affected versions are listed further down this page.
2If you do, apply the vendor's fix. A patch or vendor advisory has been published.

Not sure if your company is exposed?

Fastnexa’s certified penetration testers can check whether attackers could use this flaw, or others like it, against your websites, apps and network. The full test is free for our first 10 founding clients until 31 December 2026.

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Scoring

CVSS: 8.5 (v3.1)
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Weakness: CWE-59
Assigned by: security-advisories@github.com

Dates

Published: 2026-05-13
Last modified: 2026-09-07
Sources: NVD

Affected products

Vm2 Project Vm23.10.5

As listed in the NVD configuration data. Not a statement about your estate.