Command execution via unsanitized workspace argument
Published Jul 8, 2026 · Updated Jul 8, 2026
Command injection in CycloneDX SBOM for npm 2.1.0 through 4.2.1 allows context-dependent attackers to execute OS commands via a workspace value. The CLI's npmRunner fallback interpolates the user-controlled --workspace argument into a subshell command without escaping shell metacharacters. Exploitation requires npm_execpath to be unset or empty, and injected commands run with the invoking user's privileges.
Summary
What happened
Command injection in CycloneDX SBOM for npm 2.1.0 through 4.2.1 allows context-dependent attackers to execute OS commands via a workspace value. The CLI's npmRunner fallback interpolates the user-controlled --workspace argument into a subshell command without escaping shell metacharacters. Exploitation requires npm_execpath to be unset or empty, and injected commands run with the invoking user's privileges.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-55849
- Published
- Jul 8, 2026
- Updated
- Jul 8, 2026
- Vendor
- CycloneDX
- Product
- CycloneDX SBOM for npm
- Classifications
- CWE-78, T1059
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Jul 8, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Jul 8, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=>= 2.1.0, < 5.0.0
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
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Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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