CVE-2026-54257: Electron Buffer API Heap Buffer Under/Overflow Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2026-54257: Electron: Buffer performs incorrect byte length calculations resulting in heap buffer under/overflow. Affects electron versions >= 42.3.1, < 42.3.3. Fixed in 42.3.3. How to fix ↓
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Background
Electron is a popular framework that enables developers to build cross-platform desktop applications using web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. It integrates Node.js and Chromium, allowing for rich functionality and access to native system features. However, certain versions of Electron are vulnerable to a critical issue in the Node.js Buffer API, which can lead to application crashes and incorrect buffer allocations.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from incorrect byte length calculations in the Electron Buffer API, which can result in heap buffer underflows or overflows. This flaw can cause most applications using the affected versions of Electron to crash, while others may experience unexpected behavior due to incorrect buffer allocations. The technical implications include potential data corruption and security risks, as attackers could exploit these buffer issues to execute arbitrary code or manipulate application behavior.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 45.0.0 as of 22 Oct 2026
npm install electron@45.0.0Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
42.3.3
This is the first release that contains the fix.
npm install electron@42.3.3Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
There are no workarounds available for this vulnerability. It is strongly advised not to use the impacted Electron releases until they are updated to the fixed version.
Conclusion
In summary, CVE-2026-54257 is a critical vulnerability in the Electron framework that affects the Buffer API, leading to potential application crashes and incorrect buffer allocations. Users are advised to update to version 42.3.3 or later to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
See every vulnerability recorded for electron →
FAQ
Versions of Electron prior to 42.3.3 are affected by this vulnerability.
The vulnerability can lead to application crashes and incorrect buffer allocations, which may result in data corruption or security risks.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
The only effective mitigation is to update to the fixed version of Electron (42.3.3 or later). There are no workarounds available.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.3, indicating a critical severity level.
References
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