protobufjs protobuf.js up to 7.5.7/8.1.x JSON Root.fromJSON/Namespace.addJSON recursion
| CVSS Meta Temp Score | Current Exploit Price (≈) | CTI Interest Score |
|---|---|---|
| 5.2 | $0-$5k | 0.00 |
Summary
A vulnerability identified as problematic has been detected in protobufjs protobuf.js up to 7.5.7/8.1.x. This vulnerability affects the function Root.fromJSON/Namespace.addJSON of the component JSON Handler. The manipulation leads to recursion.
This vulnerability is referenced as CVE-2026-45740. Remote exploitation of the attack is possible. No exploit is available.
You should upgrade the affected component.
Details
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in protobufjs protobuf.js up to 7.5.7/8.1.x. This issue affects the function Root.fromJSON/Namespace.addJSON of the component JSON Handler. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a recursion vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-674. The product does not properly control the amount of recursion that takes place, consuming excessive resources, such as allocated memory or the program stack. Impacted is availability. The summary by CVE is:
protobufjs compiles protobuf definitions into JavaScript (JS) functions. Prior to 7.5.8 and 8.2.0, protobufjs could recurse without a depth limit while expanding nested JSON descriptors through Root.fromJSON() and Namespace.addJSON(). A crafted JSON descriptor with deeply nested namespace definitions could cause the JavaScript call stack to be exhausted during descriptor loading. This vulnerability is fixed in 7.5.8 and 8.2.0.
It is possible to read the advisory at github.com. The identification of this vulnerability is CVE-2026-45740 since 05/13/2026. The exploitation is known to be easy. The attack may be initiated remotely. No form of authentication is needed for a successful exploitation. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit. The attack technique deployed by this issue is T1499 according to MITRE ATT&CK.
Upgrading to version 7.5.8 or 8.2.0 eliminates this vulnerability.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Product
Type
Vendor
Name
Version
Website
CPE 2.3
CPE 2.2
CVSSv4
VulDB Vector: 🔒VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv3
VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.3VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.2
VulDB Base Score: 5.3
VulDB Temp Score: 5.1
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CNA Base Score: 5.3
CNA Vector (GitHub_M): 🔒
CVSSv2
| AV | AC | Au | C | I | A |
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| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
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| Vector | Complexity | Authentication | Confidentiality | Integrity | Availability |
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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
Exploiting
Class: RecursionCWE: CWE-674 / CWE-404
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒
Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes
Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined
EPSS Score: 🔒
EPSS Percentile: 🔒
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒
| 0-Day | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
Threat Intelligence
Interest: 🔍Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍
Countermeasures
Recommended: UpgradeStatus: 🔍
0-Day Time: 🔒
Upgrade: protobuf.js 7.5.8/8.2.0
Timeline
05/13/2026 Advisory disclosed05/13/2026 CVE reserved
05/13/2026 VulDB entry created
05/13/2026 VulDB entry last update
Sources
Product: github.comAdvisory: github.com
Status: Confirmed
CVE: CVE-2026-45740 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-45740
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-363575
Entry
Created: 05/13/2026 17:46Changes: 05/13/2026 17:46 (65)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
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