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CVE-2026-42033 axios CVE debrief

CVE-2026-42033 is a high-severity vulnerability in Axios, a promise-based HTTP client for browsers and Node.js. Prior to versions 1.15.1 and 0.31.1, the library is susceptible to prototype pollution attacks. If an attacker can pollute the Object.prototype with keys that Axios reads without a hasOwnProperty guard, they can silently intercept and modify every JSON response before the application sees it or fully hijack the underlying HTTP transport. This could grant access to request credentials, headers, and body. The vulnerability requires a precondition of prototype pollution from a separate source in the same process.

Vendor
axios
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 7.4
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-04-24
Original CVE updated
2026-07-01
Advisory published
2026-04-24
Advisory updated
2026-07-01

Who should care

Developers and security teams using Axios in their applications should be aware of this vulnerability. Given its high CVSS score of 7.4, organizations should prioritize patching to prevent potential attacks. Axios users must ensure they are using versions 1.15.1 or 0.31.1 or later to mitigate this risk.

Technical summary

The CVE-2026-42033 vulnerability in Axios arises from the library's lack of a hasOwnProperty guard when reading certain keys. This oversight allows an attacker to exploit prototype pollution, potentially leading to two primary attack scenarios: (a) intercepting and modifying JSON responses, or (b) hijacking the HTTP transport. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to access sensitive request information or manipulate requests. The vulnerability's impact is contingent upon the existence of prototype pollution from another source within the same process.

Defensive priority

High priority should be given to updating Axios to versions 1.15.1 or 0.31.1 or later. Additionally, developers should review their dependencies for any signs of prototype pollution and implement checks to prevent such attacks.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Update Axios to version 1.15.1 or 0.31.1 or later.
  • Review application dependencies for prototype pollution vulnerabilities.
  • Implement hasOwnProperty guards when reading keys in critical code paths.
  • Monitor applications for unusual JSON response modifications or HTTP transport anomalies.
  • Consider using a library like 'lodash' which provides utilities to prevent prototype pollution.

Evidence notes

The CVE-2026-42033 entry in the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) provides detailed information about this vulnerability, including its CVSS score, affected versions, and references to advisories and patches. Multiple Red Hat errata (RHSA-2026:14937, RHSA-2026:16476, etc.) also address this vulnerability, indicating its impact on Red Hat-based systems.

Official resources

This article is AI-assisted and based on the supplied source corpus.