CVE-2026-70611 in Electron
Summary
by MITRE • 08/05/2026
Electron is a framework for writing cross-platform desktop applications using JavaScript, HTML and CSS. Prior to 39.8.9, 40.9.2, 41.2.1, and 42.0.0-beta.3, the DevTools reveal in file manager action could launch the target file rather than reveal it. An attacker with a separate means of running script inside the DevTools frontend, such as a malicious DevTools extension, could use showItemInFolder handling to execute native code outside the sandbox when DevTools is opened for windows exposed to untrusted content or untrusted DevTools extensions. This issue is fixed in 39.8.9, 40.9.2, 41.2.1, and 42.0.0-beta.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2026
This vulnerability affects the Electron framework's handling of file manager interactions within the Developer Tools interface, specifically impacting versions prior to 39.8.9, 40.9.2, 41.2.1, and 42.0.0-beta.3. The flaw lies in how the showItemInFolder functionality operates when invoked through DevTools, where it incorrectly executes target files instead of merely revealing their location in the file manager. This represents a critical security issue that exploits the trust relationship between the DevTools frontend and the underlying operating system file management capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation and handling of user interactions within the Electron framework's Developer Tools environment. When an attacker can execute arbitrary script code within the DevTools frontend, typically through malicious extensions or other attack vectors, they can leverage the showItemInFolder API to trigger native code execution outside the intended sandbox boundaries. This occurs because the framework fails to properly distinguish between revealing file locations and executing files, creating a path for privilege escalation attacks that bypass standard security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for applications running Electron versions affected by this issue, particularly those exposed to untrusted content or malicious DevTools extensions. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary native code on the target system with the privileges of the user running the Electron application. This creates a severe vector for privilege escalation attacks and potentially allows for full system compromise when combined with other attack primitives. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted content or where developers might install malicious extensions without proper security vetting.
This issue maps to CWE-78 and CWE-80, representing command injection vulnerabilities and improper input validation respectively, while also aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The fix implemented in the patched versions addresses the core problem by properly validating file operations within the DevTools context and ensuring that reveal functionality does not inadvertently trigger execution. Organizations should immediately update to the patched versions and conduct security assessments of any Electron-based applications to ensure proper sandboxing and input validation mechanisms are in place.
The vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with cross-platform frameworks that must bridge web technologies with native operating system capabilities, particularly when Developer Tools interfaces provide access to potentially dangerous APIs. Security practitioners should implement additional monitoring for suspicious DevTools activity and consider implementing stricter extension vetting processes for Electron applications running in production environments where untrusted content might be present.