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CVE-2026-48170 thomaspoignant CVE debrief

A critical vulnerability in the `scim-patch` library prior to version 0.9.1 allows for prototype pollution when applying a SCIM PATCH operation with a maliciously crafted `value` object. This issue can lead to the modification of `Object.prototype` process-wide, affecting every plain object in the Node process. Services calling `scimPatch()` on attacker-controlled JSON, particularly those exposed to external IdPs, are at risk. A patch is available in version 0.9.1, and a workaround involves freezing object prototypes at process startup.

Vendor
thomaspoignant
Product
scim-patch
CVSS
CRITICAL 9.1
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-08-07
Original CVE updated
2026-09-18
Advisory published
2026-08-07
Advisory updated
2026-09-18

Who should care

Defenders of services that use the `scim-patch` library, especially those exposed to external Identity Providers (IdPs), should assess their exposure and prioritize updating to version 0.9.1 or applying the recommended workaround.

Why it matters

CVE-2026-48170 is a critical vulnerability in the `scim-patch` library that allows for prototype pollution, affecting services that call `scimPatch()` on attacker-controlled JSON. Defenders of exposed services should prioritize patching or applying a workaround to prevent potential elevation of privileges or data tampering.

  • Modification of Object.prototype process-wide, affecting every plain object in the Node process
  • Potential for elevation of privileges or data tampering in affected services
  • Need for immediate patching or application of the workaround to prevent exploitation
  • Verification of service exposure to external IdPs and potential attack vectors

Technical summary

The `scim-patch` library prior to version 0.9.1 is vulnerable to prototype pollution. When applying a SCIM PATCH operation with a `value` object containing a key like `__proto__.someProp`, it sets `Object.prototype.someProp` process-wide. This affects every plain object in the Node process. The issue is exploitable by services calling `scimPatch()` on attacker-controlled JSON, particularly those exposed to external IdPs. Version 0.9.1 contains a patch.

Defensive priority

High priority should be given to updating the `scim-patch` library to version 0.9.1 or applying the recommended workaround, especially for services exposed to external IdPs.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Update `scim-patch` to version 0.9.1
  • Apply the workaround by calling `Object.freeze(Object.prototype)` at process startup
  • Review and update services that call `scimPatch()` on attacker-controlled JSON
  • Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up.
  • Review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance.
  • Plan vendor-supported updates or mitigations through normal change control where exposure is confirmed.
  • Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review.

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability, its impact, and the available patch. However, the exact scope of affected services and the number of potential victims remain unknown.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-48170 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-48170

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-48170 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-48170

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental 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.