CVE-2026-73083
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2026
Activepieces is an open source AI workflow automation platform. Prior to 0.80.0, in SANDBOX_CODE_ONLY mode, the engine loads the compiled user module with importFresh(), a wrapper around Node.js require(), before the V8 isolate is applied. Top-level module code can therefore call require('child_process'), access fs, and use other Node.js APIs in the host engine process outside the sandbox. An authenticated user who can create a Code step can read environment secrets including AP_ENCRYPTION_KEY and AP_JWT_SECRET, read or write files, and reach internal services. This issue is fixed in version 0.80.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2026
This vulnerability exists in Activepieces AI workflow automation platform prior to version 0.80.0 where the SANDBOX_CODE_ONLY execution mode fails to properly isolate user code from the host Node.js environment. The core technical flaw occurs when the engine loads user modules using importFresh() function, which serves as a wrapper around Node.js require() mechanism before the V8 isolate is established. This timing issue creates a critical security gap where top-level module code can directly invoke host Node.js APIs including child_process for process manipulation, fs for file system access, and other system-level operations that should remain restricted within the sandbox environment. The vulnerability specifically affects authenticated users who possess the ability to create Code steps within the platform's workflow automation framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted according to CWE-242 and ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting languages. An attacker with access to create Code steps can escalate privileges from user-level access to system-level capabilities by directly calling Node.js core modules that provide access to sensitive environment variables including AP_ENCRYPTION_KEY and AP_JWT_SECRET. These secrets are critical for platform security as they control encryption of sensitive data and authentication tokens respectively. Beyond secret extraction, the vulnerability enables arbitrary file read/write operations allowing attackers to modify platform configuration files, exfiltrate sensitive data, or even inject malicious code into the host system. The ability to access internal services provides further attack surface for lateral movement and privilege escalation within the platform's network architecture.
The mitigation strategy involves implementing proper isolation mechanisms before loading user modules in the SANDBOX_CODE_ONLY mode, ensuring that importFresh() wrapper operates within the established V8 isolate context rather than allowing direct host API access. This fix aligns with CWE-1247 requirements for secure sandbox implementation and follows ATT&CK framework recommendations for preventing privilege escalation through code execution vulnerabilities. Version 0.80.0 addresses this issue by ensuring that user module loading occurs within the proper isolated environment, eliminating the ability for top-level code to access host Node.js APIs directly. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege controls, regularly audit user permissions, and monitor for unauthorized Code step creation to minimize potential impact from similar vulnerabilities in their automation platforms.