CVE-2026-2229
CWE-248Published: March 12, 2026· Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Official Description
ImpactThe undici WebSocket client is vulnerable to a denial-of-service attack due to improper validation of the server_max_window_bits parameter in the permessage-deflate extension. When a WebSocket client connects to a server, it automatically advertises support for permessage-deflate compression. A malicious server can respond with an out-of-range server_max_window_bits value (outside zlib's valid range of 8-15). When the server subsequently sends a compressed frame, the client attempts to create a zlib InflateRaw instance with the invalid windowBits value, causing a synchronous RangeError exception that is not caught, resulting in immediate process termination.
The vulnerability exists because:
* The isValidClientWindowBits() function only validates that the value contains ASCII digits, not that it falls within the valid range 8-15
* The createInflateRaw() call is not wrapped in a try-catch block
* The resulting exception propagates up through the call stack and crashes the Node.js process
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-2229 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 availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (5)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-248)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-2229 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts