vm2 NodeVM builtin allowlist bypass via Module._load()
CVE-2026-43999 is a sandbox escape vulnerability in vm2, the Node.js sandbox library. In vm2 versions prior to 3.11.0, NodeVM's builtin allowlist can be bypassed when the module builtin is permitted, including configurations that allow it implicitly via the '*' wildcard. The issue arises because the module builtin exposes Node's Module._load(), which can load arbitrary modules by name directly in the host context. As a result, sandboxed code can bypass vm2's builtin restriction mechanism and import otherwise excluded built-in modules such as child_process, leading to execution of attacker-controlled code outside the intended sandbox boundary.
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Impact, mitigation & remediation
What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.
Impact
What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.
Mitigation
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Remediation
Patch, then assume compromise.
Exploits
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No public exploit code observed for this vulnerability.
Affected products & vendors
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Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.
Recent activity
5 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
A vm2 sandbox escape / remote code execution vulnerability in NodeVM where the builtin allowlist can be bypassed via the module builtin, enabling loading of excluded builtins such as child_process in the host context.
A critical vm2 sandbox escape vulnerability that bypasses built-in module restrictions via Module._load().
A critical vm2 NodeVM allowlist bypass that lets attackers load excluded builtins such as child_process and achieve remote code execution.
The version that knows your environment.
Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.
Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.
Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.
YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.
Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.