protobufjs protobuf.js up to 7.5.5/8.0.1 unicode encoding

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability categorized as problematic has been discovered in protobufjs protobuf.js up to 7.5.5/8.0.1. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality. Executing a manipulation can lead to improper handling of unicode encoding. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2026-44288. The attack can be executed remotely. There is not any exploit available. It is advisable to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in protobufjs protobuf.js up to 7.5.5/8.0.1. It has been declared as problematic. This vulnerability affects an unknown functionality. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a improper handling of unicode encoding vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-176. The product does not properly handle when an input contains Unicode encoding. As an impact it is known to affect integrity. CVE summarizes:

protobufjs compiles protobuf definitions into JavaScript (JS) functions. Prior to 7.5.6 and 8.0.2, protobufjs includes a minimal UTF-8 decoder that accepted overlong UTF-8 byte sequences and decoded them to their canonical characters instead of replacing them. An attacker who can provide protobuf binary data decoded through the affected UTF-8 path may be able to bypass application-level checks that inspect raw bytes before protobuf string decoding. For example, bytes that do not contain certain ASCII characters could decode to strings containing those characters. This vulnerability is fixed in 7.5.6 and 8.0.2.

The advisory is shared for download at github.com. This vulnerability was named CVE-2026-44288 since 05/05/2026. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack can be initiated remotely. No form of authentication is required for a successful exploitation. There are neither technical details nor an exploit publicly available.

The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 320442 (Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2026-44288), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

Upgrading to version 7.5.6 or 8.0.2 eliminates this vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at Tenable (320442). VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Productinfo

Type

• JavaScript Library

Vendor

• protobufjs

Name

• protobuf.js

Version

• 7.5.0
• 7.5.1
• 7.5.2
• 7.5.3
• 7.5.4
• 7.5.5
• 8.0.0
• 8.0.1

Website

• Product: https://github.com/protobufjs/protobuf.js/

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VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

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