CVE-2026-26832
Published: 25 March 2026
Description
node-tesseract-ocr is an npm package that provides a Node.js wrapper for Tesseract OCR. In all versions through 2.2.1, the recognize() function in src/index.js is vulnerable to OS Command Injection. The file path parameter is concatenated into a shell command string…
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and passed to child_process.exec() without proper sanitization
Mitigating Controls (NIST 800-53 r5)AI
Implements input validation at system entry points to sanitize file path parameters before concatenation into shell commands, directly preventing OS command injection in the recognize() function.
Requires identification and timely remediation of flaws like the command injection vulnerability in node-tesseract-ocr versions through 2.2.1 via patching or replacement.
Restricts usage of unapproved or vulnerable software such as the affected node-tesseract-ocr npm package, preventing its deployment in Node.js applications.
Security SummaryAI
CVE-2026-26832 is an OS Command Injection vulnerability (CWE-78) in the node-tesseract-ocr npm package, a Node.js wrapper for Tesseract OCR. All versions through 2.2.1 are affected, specifically the recognize() function in src/index.js. The file path parameter supplied to this function is concatenated directly into a shell command string and passed to child_process.exec() without sanitization, enabling command injection. The vulnerability carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) and was published on 2026-03-25.
The vulnerability is exploitable by any remote attacker with network access who can supply a malicious file path to the recognize() function, requiring no authentication, privileges, or user interaction. By crafting a specially formatted path containing shell metacharacters, an attacker can inject and execute arbitrary operating system commands on the host running the vulnerable Node.js application. This can result in high-impact compromise, including unauthorized data access, modification, or destruction, as well as full system takeover.
Mitigation guidance and patches are not explicitly detailed in the CVE description, but security practitioners should consult the referenced advisories and resources: the project repository at https://github.com/zapolnoch/node-tesseract-ocr, vulnerable source code at https://github.com/zapolnoch/node-tesseract-ocr/blob/master/src/index.js, CVE-specific details at https://github.com/zebbernCVE/CVE-2026-26832, and the npm package page at https://www.npmjs.com/package/node-tesseract-ocr for any updates, version fixes, or recommended workarounds such as input validation or upgrading beyond version 2.2.1 if available.
Details
- CWE(s)
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise TechniquesAI
Why these techniques?
Remote unauthenticated OS command injection via unsanitized file path in child_process.exec() enables exploitation of public-facing Node.js applications (T1190) and arbitrary shell command execution on Windows (T1059.003) or Unix (T1059.004).