vm2 is an open source vm/sandbox for Node.js. In 3.10.5, NodeVMs 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 Nodes 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.
Weakness
The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
Affected Software
| Name | Vendor | Start Version | End Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vm2 | Vm2_project | 3.10.5 (including) | 3.10.5 (including) |
Potential Mitigations
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
- Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.
Related Attack Patterns
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/132.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/17.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/35.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/76.html
References
- https://github.com/patriksimek/vm2/security/advisories/GHSA-cp6g-6699-wx9c
- https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-43998
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2477206
- https://github.com/patriksimek/vm2/security/advisories/GHSA-cp6g-6699-wx9c
- https://security.access.redhat.com/data/csaf/v2/vex/2026/cve-2026-43998.json