CVE-2026-101905 in Axios
Summary
by MITRE • 09/28/2026
Axios is a promise-based HTTP client for the browser and Node.js. From 1.15.2 until 1.20.0, the Node HTTP adapter in lib/adapters/http.js supplies request options without an own createConnection value. A separate same-process prototype-pollution flaw places a function on Object.prototype.createConnection. Node resolves and invokes the inherited createConnection socket factory, allowing the attacker-controlled function to select the transport endpoint. The attacker endpoint can receive request headers and bodies, including credentials, and return attacker-controlled responses while the URL appears legitimate. This issue is fixed in version 1.20.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2026
The vulnerability identified involves a critical security flaw within Axios versions ranging from 1.15.2 to 1.20.0, specifically affecting the Node.js HTTP adapter located at lib/adapters/http.js. The core technical deficiency lies in how request options are constructed and passed during HTTP communication. In these affected versions, the adapter fails to explicitly provide an own createConnection property when initializing requests. This omission creates a gap that allows for prototype pollution attacks within the same process context. When combined with a separate vulnerability where an attacker can inject properties into Object.prototype, specifically by setting Object.prototype.createConnection to a malicious function, the security model is fundamentally compromised. Node.js resolves method lookups on objects by traversing the prototype chain if the property does not exist as an own property. Consequently, because Axios did not supply its own createConnection value, it inadvertently inherited the polluted version from Object.prototype.
This architectural oversight enables a sophisticated attack vector where an attacker-controlled function is invoked to determine the transport endpoint for HTTP requests. The malicious createConnection implementation allows the adversary to intercept and manipulate network traffic that appears legitimate to the application logic. By controlling this socket factory, the attacker can direct request headers and bodies, which may contain sensitive credentials such as authentication tokens or session cookies, to a server under their control. Furthermore, the attacker is not limited to passive interception; they can return fabricated responses back to the Axios client. This capability effectively allows for man-in-the-middle attacks within the same process space, bypassing standard security expectations regarding endpoint integrity and data confidentiality. The URL displayed in logs or user interfaces may remain unchanged, masking the fact that the actual network communication is being routed through an attacker-controlled infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, particularly in applications handling sensitive data or performing authenticated operations against trusted services. An adversary exploiting this flaw can exfiltrate confidential information, including session tokens and personal identifiable information, leading to potential account takeover or unauthorized access to backend systems. Additionally, the ability to inject attacker-controlled responses allows for further exploitation chains, such as injecting malicious scripts into parsed JSON payloads or manipulating application logic based on false server replies. This undermines the integrity of data exchanges and can lead to significant financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory non-compliance depending on the nature of the affected system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-1321 for improper inheritance in prototype pollution scenarios and aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to command and control via legitimate application processes or data exfiltration over established channels.
To mitigate this risk, organizations must immediately upgrade Axios to version 1.20.0 or later, where the issue has been resolved by ensuring that request options are properly scoped without relying on inherited prototype properties for critical network functions. In environments where upgrading is not instantly feasible, developers should implement strict input validation and sanitization routines to prevent prototype pollution at the application level. This includes avoiding direct assignment of properties to Object.prototype or global objects and utilizing Map structures instead of plain objects when dynamic property keys are required. Additionally, employing Content Security Policy headers and monitoring for unusual network patterns can help detect exploitation attempts in real-time. Regular security audits focusing on HTTP client configurations and prototype chain integrity are essential to maintaining robust defense-in-depth strategies against such sophisticated injection-based vulnerabilities.