Security Vulnerability in Angular.js: Inadequate Message Source Verification in DevTools
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2026-101897: Angular is a development platform for building mobile and desktop web applications using TypeScript/JavaScript and other languages. Affects angular.js versions 1.8.3-1 – 1.8.3-3. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
Angular is a robust development platform designed for building mobile and desktop web applications using TypeScript, JavaScript, and other languages. It provides a comprehensive framework for developers, enabling them to create dynamic and responsive applications. However, versions 1.20.0 to 1.21.1 of Angular DevTools contain a vulnerability that allows untrusted web pages to send messages to the background service worker without proper verification, potentially leading to security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the Angular DevTools background service worker's acceptance of chrome.runtime.sendMessage messages from untrusted sources without adequate verification. An attacker can exploit this by obtaining a valid randomized victim tabId, allowing them to direct the extension to use chrome.debugger to attach to another browser tab. This could disrupt the target tab by displaying the debugging banner, pausing JavaScript execution, and preventing user interaction. However, it does not allow for remote code execution, privilege escalation, or unauthorized access to sensitive data.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, consider disabling the Angular DevTools extension until you can update to the patched version. This will prevent any potential exploitation of the vulnerability while you work on applying the fix.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in Angular.js versions 1.20.0 to 1.21.1 poses a risk due to inadequate verification of message sources in the DevTools background service worker. It is crucial to update to version 1.21.1 or later to mitigate this risk and ensure the security of your applications.
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FAQ
Versions 1.20.0 to 1.21.1 of Angular.js are affected by this vulnerability.
The main risk is that an attacker can disrupt the target tab's functionality by pausing JavaScript execution and displaying the debugging banner, but it does not allow for remote code execution or access to sensitive data.
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Yes, you can temporarily disable the Angular DevTools extension to mitigate the risk until you can update to the patched version.
More information can be found in the official CVE report for CVE-2026-101897 and on the Debian security advisories.
References
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