REDHAT-BUG-2435576: High severity npm/@backstage/plugin-techdocs-node vulnerability

Published Jan 30, 2026
·
Updated

Backstage is an open framework for building developer portals, and @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node provides common node.js functionalities for TechDocs. In versions of @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node prior to 1.13.11 and 1.14.1, when TechDocs is configured with runIn: local, a malicious actor who can submit or modify a repository's mkdocs.yml file can execute arbitrary Python code on the TechDocs build server via MkDocs hooks configuration. @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node versions 1.13.11 and 1.14.1 contain a fix. The fix introduces an allowlist of supported MkDocs configuration keys. Unsupported configuration keys (including hooks) are now removed from mkdocs.yml before running the generator, with a warning logged to indicate which keys were removed. Users of @techdocs/cli should also upgrade to the latest version, which includes the fixed @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node dependency. Some workarounds are available. Configure TechDocs with runIn: docker instead of runIn: local to provide container isolation, though it does not fully mitigate the risk. Limit who can modify mkdocs.yml files in repositories that TechDocs processes; only allow trusted contributors. Implement PR review requirements for changes to mkdocs.yml files to detect malicious hooks configurations before they are merged. Use MkDocs < 1.4.0 (e.g., 1.3.1) which does not support hooks. Note: This may limit access to newer MkDocs features. Building documentation in CI/CD pipelines using @techdocs/cli does not mitigate this vulnerability, as the CLI uses the same vulnerable @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node package.

Affected Software

2 affected components
npm/@backstage/plugin-techdocs-node<1.13.11, <1.14.1
npm/@techdocs/cli

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 1.13.11
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 1.14.1
  3. Configuration

    Configure TechDocs to use `runIn: docker` instead of `runIn: local` to provide container isolation (does not fully mitigate the risk).

    TechDocs configuration runIn = docker
  4. Configuration

    Implement PR review requirements for changes to `mkdocs.yml` files to detect malicious `hooks` configurations before they are merged.

    TechDocs CI/CD repo governance PR review requirements for mkdocs.yml = enforced
  5. Compensating control

    Limit who can modify `mkdocs.yml` files in repositories that TechDocs processes to trusted contributors only (note: may limit access to newer MkDocs features).

  6. Compensating control

    As a workaround, use MkDocs < 1.4.0 (e.g., 1.3.1) which does not support hooks.

Event History

Jan 30, 2026
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·10:01 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of REDHAT-BUG-2435576?

The severity of REDHAT-BUG-2435576 is classified as high, with a score of 7.

2

How do I fix REDHAT-BUG-2435576?

To fix REDHAT-BUG-2435576, update @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node to version 1.13.11 or 1.14.1 or later.

3

What impact does REDHAT-BUG-2435576 have on my system?

REDHAT-BUG-2435576 allows a malicious actor to exploit the TechDocs functionality when configured improperly.

4

Which versions of @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node are affected by REDHAT-BUG-2435576?

Versions of @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node prior to 1.13.11 and 1.14.1 are affected by REDHAT-BUG-2435576.

5

Is REDHAT-BUG-2435576 related to any other software?

Yes, REDHAT-BUG-2435576 is related to npm/@techdocs/cli in addition to @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node.

Contact

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