Node xmldom: Prior to @xmldom/xmldom versions 0.8.15 and 0.9.12, and in xmldom version 0.6.0 and earlier, Document.createProcessingInstruction(target, data) in… (CVE-2026-83616)
Description
A vulnerability in the node-xmldom library versions prior to @xmldom/xmldom 0.8.15 and 0.9.12, and in xmldom version 0.6.0 and earlier, allows injection of XML structure via unvalidated targets in Document.createProcessingInstruction. This occurs because the serializer does not properly validate the target string, enabling malformed processing instructions that can break XML boundaries. Fixed versions exist for @xmldom/xmldom but not for xmldom.
CVSS v4.0
Affected software
pkg:deb/ubuntu/node-xmldom?arch=source&distro=focalpkg:deb/ubuntu/node-xmldom?arch=source&distro=jammypkg:deb/ubuntu/node-xmldom?arch=source&distro=noblepkg:deb/ubuntu/node-xmldom?arch=source&distro=stonkingpkg:deb/ubuntu/node-xmldom?arch=source&distro=resoluteRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The node-xmldom library, a JavaScript XML DOM parser and serializer, has a vulnerability in the Document.createProcessingInstruction(target, data) method. In affected versions, the target parameter is not properly validated, allowing characters such as >, ?, whitespace, or other invalid XML-name characters to be injected. This breaks the processing instruction boundary during serialization, potentially injecting unintended XML structure. The issue is fixed in @xmldom/xmldom versions 0.8.15 and 0.9.12. No fixed version is available for the xmldom package version 0.6.0 and earlier.
Potential Impact
An attacker can craft a processing instruction with a malicious target string that breaks XML structure boundaries, potentially leading to XML injection issues. This could affect applications relying on xmldom for XML parsing and serialization, possibly causing unexpected behavior or security issues related to XML processing. The CVSS vector indicates network attack vector, low complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, with high impact on integrity.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade to @xmldom/xmldom version 0.8.15 or 0.9.12 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. For xmldom versions 0.6.0 and earlier, no fixed version is currently available, so consider replacing or avoiding use of this package until a fix is provided.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- UBUNTU-CVE-2026-83616
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.0
- Ecosystems
- ["Ubuntu:20.04:LTS","Ubuntu:22.04:LTS","Ubuntu:24.04:LTS","Ubuntu:26.10","Ubuntu:26.04:LTS"]
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
Threat ID: 6ad3f55c2cdf04f656661809
Added to database: 10/17/2026, 22:23:24 UTC
Last enriched: 10/17/2026, 23:30:06 UTC
Last updated: 10/17/2026, 23:30:06 UTC
Views: 3
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