browserstack-runner vulnerable to Remote Code Execution via vm sandbox escape in _log HTTP handler
### Summary The HTTP handler `/_log` in `lib/server.js` (lines 491–515) of browserstack-runner passes unauthenticated user-supplied data to `vm.runInNewContext()` combined with `eval()`, enabling a sandbox escape and arbitrary code execution on the host system. ### Details When `browserstack-runner` starts, it creates an HTTP server on port 8888 (c...
CVSS 8.8 MEDIUM. SENTINEL APEX recommends immediate patch evaluation. Intelligence from 1 confirmed source(s).
📋 Executive Summary
CYBERDUDEBIVASH SENTINEL APEX has confirmed a MEDIUM-tier threat intelligence signal for CVE-2026-49143 affecting npm browserstack-runner. Composite threat score: 49/100. Intelligence corroborated across 1 source(s): github_advisories. CVSS base score: 8.8. Exploitation probability assessed as HIGH based on vulnerability characteristics.
⚠️ Business Impact Analysis
- ⚠️ Remote code execution — full server takeover without authentication possible
- ⚠️ Authentication bypass — all access controls circumvented
🔗 Attack Chain Analysis
Step-by-step attack chain based on observed TTPs and vulnerability characteristics:
| # | Phase | Attacker Action | MITRE |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Reconnaissance | Attacker identifies exposed browserstack-runner instances via Shodan, Censys, or targeted scanning | TA0043 |
2 |
Initial Access | Unauthenticated exploitation — no credentials required. Single HTTP request sufficient | T1190 |
3 |
Execution | Remote code execution achieved — attacker runs arbitrary commands on target system | T1203 |
4 |
Persistence | Backdoor, scheduled task, or new admin account created for persistent access | T1053 |
5 |
Command & Control | Attacker establishes persistent C2 channel using HTTPS or DNS tunneling | T1071 |
6 |
Impact / Objectives | Intellectual property theft, espionage, cryptomining, or preparation for future attack stage | T1657 |
⚠ Deep Dive Analysis
This high-severity vulnerability in npm browserstack-runner (CVSS 8.8) represents a significant attack surface. SENTINEL APEX assesses exploitation to be technically feasible with moderate effort. Organizations running browserstack-runner in internet-facing or privileged positions face immediate risk.
SENTINEL APEX URGENCY: HIGH. Score: 49/100 MEDIUM. Patch before exploitation activity begins.
🎯 MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
| Category | Mapping |
|---|---|
| Primary Tactic | Execution |
| Primary Technique | T1203 — Exploitation for Client Execution |
| Sub-Technique | T1059 — Command & Scripting Interpreter |
| Weakness (CWE) | CWE-94 |
| Intel Type | 🔴 CVE ANALYSIS |
| Source(s) | github_advisories |
🔴 CVE Reference
| CVE ID | Reference | Score |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-49143 | NVD → | 8.8 |
| CVE-2026-49143 | NVD → | 8.8 |
🏷️ Indicators of Compromise — Enriched IOC Feed
Normalized IOCs with confidence scoring. Block immediately across all enforcement points. SOC Pro subscribers receive enriched IOC bundles with full attribution and STIX/TAXII feeds.
| Indicator Value | Type | Confidence | First Seen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0.0.0 | ipv4 | 88% | 2026-06-03 |
🔍 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 browserstack-runner in your environment via CMDB/asset inventory
- 2IMMEDIATE: Block all 1 IOCs in this report at firewall, proxy, DNS, and EDR simultaneously
- 3IMMEDIATE (0-1hr): Apply vendor patch — no maintenance window exception for MEDIUM threats
- 4IMMEDIATE (1-2hr): If no patch available: implement WAF rules, ACLs, or network-level compensating controls
- 5SHORT-TERM (2-4hr): Deploy Sigma detection rule to SIEM — validate alert generation in test environment
- 6SHORT-TERM (4-8hr): Review logs for exploitation indicators (anomalous browserstack-runner requests, error spikes)
- 7SHORT-TERM (8-24hr): Hunt for post-exploitation: new admin accounts, scheduled tasks, lateral movement
- 8MONITOR: Subscribe to npm security advisories for patch updates
- 9ONGOING: Track SENTINEL APEX intelligence feed for follow-on campaigns targeting browserstack-runner
📎 Intelligence References
- github.com/advisories/GHSA-6vr3-7wcx-v5g5
- github.com/browserstack/browserstack-runner/security/advisories/GHSA-6
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-49143
- www.vulncheck.com/advisories/browserstack-runner-unauthenticated-rce-v
- github.com/advisories/GHSA-6vr3-7wcx-v5g5
- 📌 NVD — CVE-2026-49143
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Report ID: SENTINEL-CVE-2026-49143-2026-06-03 | Priority: 49/100 MEDIUM | Sources: 1
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