CVE-2026-18446

CVE-2026-18446 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-436.

Key facts

Description

fast-uri before 4.1.2, 3.1.5, and 2.4.4 requires a literal double forward slash to recognize a URI authority, so a reference that uses a backslash based introducer in place of it (backslash backslash, forward slash backslash, or backslash forward slash) is parsed with no authority and folds into the path. Node's native WHATWG URL parser instead treats a backslash as interchangeable with a forward slash for special schemes, so the two parsers extract different hosts from the same input. Applications that use fast-uri to enforce host based policy such as allowlists, SSRF filtering, or redirect validation before passing the same URL into Node's URL or fetch consumers can be steered to an unintended host. Upgrade to fast-uri 4.1.2, 3.1.5, or 2.4.4.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-18446?
fast-uri before 4.1.2, 3.1.5, and 2.4.4 requires a literal double forward slash to recognize a URI authority, so a reference that uses a backslash based introducer in place of it (backslash backslash, forward slash backslash, or backslash forward slash) is parsed with no authority and folds into the path. Node's native WHATWG URL parser instead treats a backslash as interchangeable with a forward slash for special schemes, so the two parsers extract different hosts from the same input. Applications that use fast-uri to enforce host based policy such as allowlists, SSRF filtering, or redirect validation before passing the same URL into Node's URL or fetch consumers can be steered to an unintended host. Upgrade to fast-uri 4.1.2, 3.1.5, or 2.4.4.
How severe is CVE-2026-18446?
CVE-2026-18446 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2026-18446 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (13th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2026-18446?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2026-18446 published?
CVE-2026-18446 was published on 2026-07-31.

References

Other CWE-436 vulnerabilities

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