CVE-2026-42290: CWE-78: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in protobufjs protobuf.js
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.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The protobufjs-cli tool, used with protobuf.js, previously constructed shell commands by concatenating input file paths and executing them via child_process.exec. Because file paths containing shell metacharacters were not properly sanitized, an attacker could inject OS commands. This vulnerability (CWE-78) affects protobufjs-cli versions before 1.2.1 and 2.0.2. The issue is resolved in these fixed versions by properly handling input to avoid command injection.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker with local access to execute arbitrary OS commands with the privileges of the user running protobufjs-cli. This can lead to full compromise of the affected system, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts as indicated by the CVSS score of 7.8 (high severity). There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade protobufjs-cli to version 1.2.1 or 2.0.2 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. Since this is a local command injection vulnerability triggered by crafted file paths, applying the official fix eliminates the risk. No additional mitigations are specified or required beyond upgrading.
CVE-2026-42290: CWE-78: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in protobufjs protobuf.js
Description
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.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
Affected software
Run on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The protobufjs-cli tool, used with protobuf.js, previously constructed shell commands by concatenating input file paths and executing them via child_process.exec. Because file paths containing shell metacharacters were not properly sanitized, an attacker could inject OS commands. This vulnerability (CWE-78) affects protobufjs-cli versions before 1.2.1 and 2.0.2. The issue is resolved in these fixed versions by properly handling input to avoid command injection.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker with local access to execute arbitrary OS commands with the privileges of the user running protobufjs-cli. This can lead to full compromise of the affected system, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts as indicated by the CVSS score of 7.8 (high severity). There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade protobufjs-cli to version 1.2.1 or 2.0.2 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. Since this is a local command injection vulnerability triggered by crafted file paths, applying the official fix eliminates the risk. No additional mitigations are specified or required beyond upgrading.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-04-26T12:13:55.551Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a049713cbff5d8610dffde8
Added to database: 05/13/2026, 15:21:55 UTC
Last enriched: 05/20/2026, 18:26:12 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:58 UTC
Views: 48
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
External Links
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.