Is CVE-2026-21636 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2026-21636 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2026-21636 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2026-21636 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2026-21636?

CVE-2026-21636 has a CVSS score of 10.0 (CRITICAL).

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CRITICAL

CVE-2026-21636

CWE-284Published: January 20, 2026· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

10.0

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

A flaw in Node.js's permission model allows Unix Domain Socket (UDS) connections to bypass network restrictions when `--permission` is enabled. Even without `--allow-net`, attacker-controlled inputs (such as URLs or socketPath options) can connect to arbitrary local sockets via net, tls, or undici/fetch. This breaks the intended security boundary of the permission model and enables access to privileged local services, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data exposure, or local code execution.

* The issue affects users of the Node.js permission model on version v25.

In the moment of this vulnerability, network permissions (`--allow-net`) are still in the experimental phase.

NVD Source

Risk Analysis

A flaw in the Node.js permission model allows attackers to bypass network restrictions by connecting to arbitrary local Unix Domain Sockets. This enables unauthorized access to privileged local services, potentially leading to privilege escalation or code execution.

There is no known public exploit for this remotely exploitable vulnerability, which affects the experimental permission model in Node.js v25.

Recommended Action

Users should update to a patched version of Node.js and exercise caution when using experimental permission features.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2026-21636 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 10.0.

The vulnerability has a "Changed" scope, meaning successful exploitation can impact components beyond the vulnerable component itself — such as the host operating system or adjacent services.