CVE-2026-44486 axios CVE debrief

Who should care

Defenders managing Node.js environments using Axios, especially those with automatic redirects enabled and authenticated proxy configurations, should assess their exposure and verify their Axios versions.

Why it matters

CVE-2026-44486 is a high-severity vulnerability in Axios' Node.js HTTP adapter that can lead to the leakage of proxy credentials. Defenders should verify their Axios versions, review configurations, and update to fixed versions to mitigate potential exposure.

• Potential leakage of proxy credentials to redirect targets
• Verification of Axios versions and configurations is necessary
• Review of Node.js environments for affected configurations required
• Remediation involves updating Axios to versions 0.32.0 or 1.16.0

Technical summary

Axios' Node.js HTTP adapter can leak proxy credentials to a redirect target in affected versions. The issue arises when a request is sent through an authenticated proxy, and Axios follows a redirect. The stale Proxy-Authorization header can remain on the redirected request and be sent to the redirect target. This affects Node.js's use of Axios with automatic redirects enabled and an authenticated proxy configuration.

Defensive priority

Defenders should prioritize verifying their Axios versions and configurations, especially in Node.js environments using automatic redirects with authenticated proxies.

Recommended defensive actions

• Verify Axios version and update to 0.32.0 or 1.16.0 if necessary
• Review Node.js configurations for automatic redirects with authenticated proxies
• Assess exposure in environments using Axios with Node.js
• Perform a thorough review of the affected systems and apply patches or mitigations as necessary
• Monitor for potential exploitation attempts and review logs for suspicious activity
• Inventory Axios usage across the organization and prioritize remediation efforts
• Implement compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD details provide information on the vulnerability, its impact, and the fixed versions. Multiple Red Hat errata references are provided, indicating affected and patched versions in their ecosystem.

Sources and references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.