CVE-2026-55849 @cyclonedx/cyclonedx-npm: Shell Injection via Unsanitized `--workspace` Argument
Attackers can execute arbitrary OS commands via unsanitized workspace arguments in the CycloneDX npm CLI when specific environment variables are unset.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-55849?
CVE-2026-55849 is a high-severity command injection vulnerability in cyclonedx-node-npm, published on 8 Jul 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
@cyclonedx/cyclonedx-npm creates CycloneDX Software Bill of Materials from npm projects. From 2.1.0 before 5.0.0, the CLI passes user-supplied --workspace values to a subshell without proper sanitization when npm_execpath is unset or empty, allowing arbitrary OS command execution with the privileges of the invoking user. This issue is fixed in version 5.0.0.
Weakness: CWE-78
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-55849?
2 open source packages ship an affected version, including @cyclonedx/cyclonedx-npm.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
@cyclonedx/cyclonedx-npm npm | From 2.1.0 | 5.0.0 |
@cyclonedx/cyclonedx-npm npm | From 2.1.0 | 5.0.0 |
How do I fix CVE-2026-55849?
Upgrade @cyclonedx/cyclonedx-npm to 5.0.0 or later.
Upgrade, and pass arguments to programs as a list instead of through a shell. More about Command injection.
Is CVE-2026-55849 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-55849 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-v75r-vx73-82pj.