CVE-2026-42890: CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') in actualbudget actual
Actual is an open-source personal finance application. In the macOS desktop application version 25.x (built on Electron 39.2.7), the ELECTRON_RUN_AS_NODE fuse is not disabled, allowing an attacker who can place a file on disk or control command-line arguments to invoke the signed Actual.app binary with the ELECTRON_RUN_AS_NODE=1 environment variable set. This converts the application into a Node.js REPL capable of executing arbitrary code that inherits the application's entitlements and code signature, bypassing macOS Gatekeeper review. Version 26.5.0 patches the issue.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability (CVE-2026-42890) in Actual version 25.x on macOS arises because the ELECTRON_RUN_AS_NODE fuse is not disabled. An attacker with the ability to place files or control command-line arguments can launch the signed Actual.app binary with ELECTRON_RUN_AS_NODE=1, turning the app into a Node.js REPL. This allows arbitrary code execution inheriting the app's entitlements and code signature, effectively bypassing macOS Gatekeeper protections. The vulnerability is fixed in Actual version 26.5.0.
Potential Impact
An attacker able to place files or control command-line arguments can execute arbitrary code with the application's entitlements on macOS, bypassing Gatekeeper. This could lead to unauthorized code execution within the context of the signed application, potentially compromising system security or user data. The CVSS score is 4.8 (medium severity), reflecting local attack vector with low complexity and limited scope impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade to Actual version 26.5.0 or later, where this vulnerability is patched. No other official remediation or temporary fix is documented. Until upgrading, restrict the ability of untrusted users or processes to place files or control command-line arguments used to launch Actual.app on macOS.
CVE-2026-42890: CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') in actualbudget actual
Description
Actual is an open-source personal finance application. In the macOS desktop application version 25.x (built on Electron 39.2.7), the ELECTRON_RUN_AS_NODE fuse is not disabled, allowing an attacker who can place a file on disk or control command-line arguments to invoke the signed Actual.app binary with the ELECTRON_RUN_AS_NODE=1 environment variable set. This converts the application into a Node.js REPL capable of executing arbitrary code that inherits the application's entitlements and code signature, bypassing macOS Gatekeeper review. Version 26.5.0 patches the issue.
CVSS v4.0
Score 4.8medium
Affected software
pkg:github/actualbudget/actualRun 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 vulnerability (CVE-2026-42890) in Actual version 25.x on macOS arises because the ELECTRON_RUN_AS_NODE fuse is not disabled. An attacker with the ability to place files or control command-line arguments can launch the signed Actual.app binary with ELECTRON_RUN_AS_NODE=1, turning the app into a Node.js REPL. This allows arbitrary code execution inheriting the app's entitlements and code signature, effectively bypassing macOS Gatekeeper protections. The vulnerability is fixed in Actual version 26.5.0.
Potential Impact
An attacker able to place files or control command-line arguments can execute arbitrary code with the application's entitlements on macOS, bypassing Gatekeeper. This could lead to unauthorized code execution within the context of the signed application, potentially compromising system security or user data. The CVSS score is 4.8 (medium severity), reflecting local attack vector with low complexity and limited scope impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade to Actual version 26.5.0 or later, where this vulnerability is patched. No other official remediation or temporary fix is documented. Until upgrading, restrict the ability of untrusted users or processes to place files or control command-line arguments used to launch Actual.app on macOS.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-04-30T18:49:06.712Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a2c6076e617e2d834b7749b
Added to database: 6/12/2026, 7:39:34 PM
Last enriched: 6/12/2026, 7:54:22 PM
Last updated: 6/12/2026, 9:19:52 PM
Views: 4
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