VM2 Sandbox Breakout Vulnerability: Critical Flaw Exposes Node.js Applications
The National Vulnerability Database has identified a critical sandbox breakout vulnerability, CVE-2026-24118, affecting the popular Node.js sandbox environment, VM2. Versions prior to 3.11.0 are susceptible to this flaw, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the host system by escaping the VM2 sandbox. This is a severe issue, as it bypasses intended isolation and directly compromises the underlying infrastructure.
The National Vulnerability Database rates this vulnerability at a CVSS score of 9.8, classifying it as critical. The exploitability is high, with no prerequisites for attacker privileges or user interaction required (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). This means any application relying on a vulnerable VM2 instance is a potential target for remote code execution. Given VM2’s role in isolating untrusted code, this vulnerability undermines the very security it’s designed to provide, potentially impacting a wide range of Node.js applications and services.
Defenders must prioritize patching or upgrading VM2 to version 3.11.0 or later immediately. For organizations unable to patch promptly, isolating affected systems and scrutinizing network traffic for suspicious outbound connections originating from applications utilizing VM2 are crucial interim measures. The attacker’s calculus here is simple: exploit a known, critical flaw in a foundational security component to gain unfettered access.
What This Means For You
- If your organization uses Node.js and incorporates sandboxing for untrusted code execution via the VM2 library, you must upgrade to VM2 version 3.11.0 or higher immediately. Failure to do so exposes your host systems to remote code execution, potentially leading to full compromise.
Related ATT&CK Techniques
🛡️ Detection Rules
3 rules · 6 SIEM formats3 detection rules auto-generated for this incident, mapped to MITRE ATT&CK. Sigma YAML is free — export to any SIEM format via the Intel Bot.
VM2 Sandbox Breakout via vm.constructor.constructor - CVE-2026-24118
title: VM2 Sandbox Breakout via vm.constructor.constructor - CVE-2026-24118
id: scw-2026-05-04-ai-1
status: experimental
level: critical
description: |
Detects the specific method used in CVE-2026-24118 to break out of the VM2 sandbox by leveraging the 'vm.constructor.constructor("return this")' pattern within Node.js processes. This indicates an attempt to gain host system access.
author: SCW Feed Engine (AI-generated)
date: 2026-05-04
references:
- https://shimiscyberworld.com/posts/nvd-CVE-2026-24118/
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059.003
logsource:
category: process_creation
detection:
selection:
Image|contains:
- 'node.exe'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'vm.constructor.constructor("return this")'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administrative activity
Source: Shimi's Cyber World · License & reuse
Indicators of Compromise
| ID | Type | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-24118 | Vulnerability | CVE-2026-24118 |
Written by SCW Vulnerability Desk
Source & Attribution
| Source Platform | NVD |
| Channel | National Vulnerability Database |
| Published | May 04, 2026 at 20:16 UTC |
This content was AI-rewritten and enriched by Shimi's Cyber World based on the original source. All intellectual property rights remain with the original author.
Believe this infringes your rights? Submit a takedown request.
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