CVE-2023-30547: Sandbox Escape in vm2

Published Apr 17, 2023
·
Updated

A flaw was found in the vm2 sandbox. When exception handling is triggered, an unsanitized host is not managed properly. This issue may allow an attacker to bypass the sandbox protections, which can lead to remote code execution on the hypervisor host or the host that is running the sandbox.

Other sources

There exists a vulnerability in exception sanitization of vm2 for versions up to 3.9.16, allowing attackers to raise an unsanitized host exception inside handleException() which can be used to escape the sandbox and run arbitrary code in host context.

Impact A threat actor can bypass the sandbox protections to gain remote code execution rights on the host running the sandbox.

Patches This vulnerability was patched in the release of version 3.9.17 of vm2.

Workarounds None.

References PoC - https://gist.github.com/leesh3288/381b230b04936dd4d74aaf90cc8bb244

For more information

If you have any questions or comments about this advisory:

- Open an issue in VM2

Thanks to Xion (SeungHyun Lee) of KAIST Hacking Lab for disclosing this vulnerability.

vm2 is a sandbox that can run untrusted code with whitelisted Node's built-in modules. There exists a vulnerability in exception sanitization of vm2 for versions up to 3.9.16, allowing attackers to raise an unsanitized host exception inside handleException() which can be used to escape the sandbox and run arbitrary code in host context. This vulnerability was patched in the release of version 3.9.17 of vm2. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability. Users are advised to upgrade.

Affected Software

3 affected componentsFixes available
npm/vm2<3.9.17
3.9.17
redhat/vm2<3.9.17
3.9.17
Vm2 Project Vm2 Node.js<=3.9.16

Event History

Apr 17, 2023
CVE Published
12:00 AM
Data Sourced
12:00 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
CVE Published
via MITRE·09:42 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·09:42 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Apr 20, 2023
Advisory Published
02:37 PM
Jan 27, 2026
News Published
via BleepingComputer·04:35 PM
News Published
via BleepingComputer·04:36 PM
May 6, 2026
News Published
via BleepingComputer·06:38 PM

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2023-30547?

CVE-2023-30547 is classified as a critical security vulnerability due to the potential for remote code execution.

2

How do I fix CVE-2023-30547?

To fix CVE-2023-30547, update the vm2 package to version 3.9.17 or later.

3

Who is affected by CVE-2023-30547?

Users of the vm2 package prior to version 3.9.17 on Node.js are affected by CVE-2023-30547.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2023-30547?

CVE-2023-30547 is a security vulnerability that involves improper handling of unsanitized hosts, allowing sandbox bypass.

5

What can happen if CVE-2023-30547 is exploited?

Exploitation of CVE-2023-30547 may lead to remote code execution on the hypervisor host or the host running the affected application.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203