CVE-2026-45736: ws: Uninitialized memory disclosure
Impact
The websocket.close() implementation is vulnerable to uninitialized memory disclosure when a TypedArray is passed as the reason argument.
Proof of concept
js import { deepStrictEqual } from 'node:assert'; import { WebSocket, WebSocketServer } from 'ws';
const wss = new WebSocketServer( { port: 0, skipUTF8Validation: true }, function () { const { port } = wss.address(); const ws = new WebSocket(ws://localhost:${port}, { skipUTF8Validation: true });
ws.on('close', function (code, reason) { deepStrictEqual(reason, Buffer.alloc(80)); }); } );
wss.on('connection', function (ws) { ws.close(1000, new Float32Array(20)); });
Patches
The vulnerability was fixed in ws@8.20.1 (https://github.com/websockets/ws/commit/c0327ec15a54d701eb6ccefaa8bef328cfc03086).
Credits
Credit for the private and responsible disclosure of this issue goes to Nikita Skovoroda.
Remarks
Although the calculated CVSS severity is medium, the actual severity is believed to be low, as the flaw is only exploitable through misuse that is unlikely in practice.
Resources
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-58qx-3vcg-4xpx - https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-45736
Other sources
ws is an open source WebSocket client and server for Node.js. Prior to 8.20.1, the websocket.close() implementation is vulnerable to uninitialized memory disclosure when a TypedArray is passed as the reason argument. This vulnerability is fixed in 8.20.1.
— NVD
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
npm/wsto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 8.20.1 - Upgrade
Upgrade
wsto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 8.20.1
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-45736?
CVE-2026-45736 has a high severity rating due to its potential for memory disclosure risks.
How do I fix CVE-2026-45736?
To fix CVE-2026-45736, you need to upgrade the ws package to version 8.20.1 or later.
What type of software is affected by CVE-2026-45736?
CVE-2026-45736 affects the ws library, which is a WebSocket client and server for Node.js.
What is the nature of the vulnerability in CVE-2026-45736?
CVE-2026-45736 involves uninitialized memory disclosure when a TypedArray is passed as the reason argument in websocket.close().
When was CVE-2026-45736 fixed?
CVE-2026-45736 was fixed in version 8.20.1 of the ws library.