CVE-2026-112946 in Vite
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2026
Vite is a frontend tooling framework for JavaScript. Prior to 6.4.4, 7.3.7, 8.1.6, 8.2.4, and 8.3.3, import analysis can record a root-relative browser URL in safeModulePaths instead of the cleaned resolved module identifier. On a network-accessible, non-Windows development server, an imported project file whose URL matches an absolute host path can authorize a later raw-filesystem request for that host file, provided server.fs.deny does not block it. The request can disclose the matching file outside the project root, but it does not allow arbitrary path traversal because the host path must correspond to a project-relative URL authorized by the application graph. This issue is fixed in versions 6.4.4, 7.3.7, 8.1.6, 8.2.4, and 8.3.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2026
The vulnerability identified in Vite stems from a flaw in the import analysis mechanism used during the development server's module resolution process. Vite is a widely adopted frontend tooling framework that provides an optimized build pipeline for JavaScript applications. During operation, particularly when serving files over a network on non-Windows systems, the application maintains internal data structures to track which modules are considered safe or authorized for access. Specifically, the system utilizes a variable known as safeModulePaths to store identifiers of modules that have been successfully resolved and deemed permissible for subsequent requests. The core technical flaw lies in how these paths are recorded prior to specific version updates. Instead of storing the cleaned, normalized module identifier which accurately reflects the file's location relative to the project root, the system erroneously records a root-relative browser URL. This discrepancy creates a mismatch between the internal authorization state and the actual filesystem path requested by subsequent operations.
This architectural inconsistency allows for an information disclosure scenario under specific conditions. When a developer imports a project file whose resulting URL matches an absolute host path, the flawed logic in safeModulePaths incorrectly authorizes this entry. Consequently, if the server's configuration does not explicitly deny access to such paths via the fs.deny setting, a subsequent raw-filesystem request can be made for that specific host file. This sequence of events enables an attacker or unauthorized user to retrieve content from files located outside the designated project root directory. The vulnerability effectively bypasses the intended sandboxing boundaries of the development server by leveraging the incorrect path recording mechanism to gain access to sensitive source code, configuration files, or other resources residing in parent directories or unrelated parts of the filesystem that are typically protected from web-accessible exposure.
It is critical to note the limitations and scope of this vulnerability as described in the advisory. The issue does not constitute a general arbitrary path traversal attack because the host path involved must correspond to a project-relative URL that was already authorized by the application graph during the initial import analysis phase. This means an attacker cannot simply request any file on the server; they are constrained to files that were previously imported or referenced within the project's module structure in a way that triggers this specific bug. Despite this limitation, the impact remains significant for development environments where sensitive code is exposed over a network. The disclosure of source code outside the intended root can lead to intellectual property theft, exposure of internal architecture details, or leakage of hardcoded secrets if such files are located in accessible parent directories.
To mitigate this risk, organizations and developers must ensure that Vite is updated to version 6.4.4, 7.3.7, 8.1.6, 8.2.4, or 8.3.3, depending on the specific branch of usage. These versions contain patches that correct the import analysis logic to properly record cleaned resolved module identifiers rather than root-relative browser URLs in safeModulePaths. Additionally, as a defense-in-depth measure, administrators should rigorously configure the server.fs.deny setting within their Vite configuration files. By explicitly denying access to parent directories and sensitive file types, even if such vulnerabilities exist or are discovered in future versions, the attack surface for information disclosure is significantly reduced. This aligns with industry best practices outlined in CWE-200 regarding Information Exposure and adheres to principles of least privilege by ensuring that development servers do not inadvertently expose filesystem contents beyond their intended scope.