Axios: Regular Expression Denial of Service (ReDoS) via Cookie Name Injection
## Summary Axios versions before `0.32.0` on the `0.x` line and before `1.16.0` on the `1.x` line build a regular expression from the configured XSRF cookie name without escaping regex metacharacters. In standard browser environments, an attacker who can influence the cookie name passed to axios can cause expensive regex backtracking while axios re...
CVSS 7.5 LOW. SENTINEL APEX recommends immediate patch evaluation. Intelligence from 1 confirmed source(s).
📋 Executive Summary
CYBERDUDEBIVASH SENTINEL APEX has confirmed a LOW-tier threat intelligence signal for CVE-2026-44496 affecting npm axios. Composite threat score: 43/100. Intelligence corroborated across 1 source(s): github_advisories. CVSS base score: 7.5. Exploitation probability assessed as HIGH based on vulnerability characteristics.
⚠️ Business Impact Analysis
- ⚠️ npm axios users face material security risk requiring immediate remediation
🔗 Attack Chain Analysis
Step-by-step attack chain based on observed TTPs and vulnerability characteristics:
| # | Phase | Attacker Action | MITRE |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Reconnaissance | Attacker identifies exposed axios instances via Shodan, Censys, or targeted scanning | TA0043 |
2 |
Initial Access | Exploitation of CVE-2026-44496 in npm axios | T1190 |
3 |
Persistence | Backdoor, scheduled task, or new admin account created for persistent access | T1053 |
4 |
Command & Control | Attacker establishes persistent C2 channel using HTTPS or DNS tunneling | T1071 |
5 |
Impact / Objectives | Intellectual property theft, espionage, cryptomining, or preparation for future attack stage | T1657 |
⚠ Deep Dive Analysis
This high-severity vulnerability in npm axios (CVSS 7.5) represents a significant attack surface. SENTINEL APEX assesses exploitation to be technically feasible with moderate effort. Organizations running axios in internet-facing or privileged positions face immediate risk.
SENTINEL APEX URGENCY: ELEVATED. Score: 43/100 LOW. Patch before exploitation activity begins.
🎯 MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
| Category | Mapping |
|---|---|
| Primary Tactic | ML Attack Staging |
| Primary Technique | AML.T0040 — ML Attack Staging |
| Sub-Technique | AML.T0000 — AI/ML System Enumeration |
| Weakness (CWE) | CWE-400 |
| Intel Type | 🔴 CVE ANALYSIS |
| Source(s) | github_advisories |
🔴 CVE Reference
| CVE ID | Reference | Score |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-44496 | NVD → | 7.5 |
| CVE-2026-44496 | NVD → | 7.5 |
🔍 Detection Rules — Sigma (SIEM)
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📡 Detection Rules — YARA (Endpoint)
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🛡️ SOC Response Playbook
- 1IMMEDIATE (0-1hr): Identify all instances of axios in your environment via CMDB/asset inventory
- 2IMMEDIATE (0-1hr): Apply vendor patch — no maintenance window exception for LOW threats
- 3IMMEDIATE (1-2hr): If no patch available: implement WAF rules, ACLs, or network-level compensating controls
- 4SHORT-TERM (2-4hr): Deploy Sigma detection rule to SIEM — validate alert generation in test environment
- 5SHORT-TERM (4-8hr): Review logs for exploitation indicators (anomalous axios requests, error spikes)
- 6SHORT-TERM (8-24hr): Hunt for post-exploitation: new admin accounts, scheduled tasks, lateral movement
- 7MONITOR: Subscribe to npm security advisories for patch updates
- 8ONGOING: Track SENTINEL APEX intelligence feed for follow-on campaigns targeting axios
📎 Intelligence References
- github.com/advisories/GHSA-hfxv-24rg-xrqf
- github.com/axios/axios/security/advisories/GHSA-hfxv-24rg-xrqf
- github.com/axios/axios/releases/tag/v0.32.0
- github.com/axios/axios/releases/tag/v1.16.0
- github.com/advisories/GHSA-hfxv-24rg-xrqf
- 📌 NVD — CVE-2026-44496
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Report ID: SENTINEL-CVE-2026-44496-2026-06-04 | Priority: 43/100 LOW | Sources: 1
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