Description
Electron is a framework for writing cross-platform desktop applications using JavaScript, HTML and CSS. Prior to 39.8.8, 40.9.0, 41.2.1, and 42.0.0-beta.3, some window options supplied by web content in the window.open() features string were applied to the new BrowserWindow without an allowlist. Untrusted content could set window options it should not control, including options that cause the main process to access attacker-chosen file or network paths, when untrusted content can call window.open() and the app does not override child window options via setWindowOpenHandler or overrideBrowserWindowOptions. This issue is fixed in 39.8.8, 40.9.0, 41.2.1, and 42.0.0-beta.3.
Published: 2026-08-05
Score: 5.3 Medium
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: n/a
Action: n/a
AI Analysis

Impact

Untrusted web content can invoke window.open with a features string that sets privileged BrowserWindow options. These options, when not filtered by an allowlist, allow the main process to access attacker‑chosen file or network paths. This leads to a potential escalation of privileges within the Electron application and could enable arbitrary file read/write or network communication caused by the main process.

Affected Systems

The vulnerability affects the Electron framework (electron:electron) in all releases older than version 39.8.8, 40.9.0, 41.2.1, and 42.0.0‑beta.3. Applications built with these Electron releases are at risk.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 5.3 indicates a medium severity. No EPSS score is available, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog. The most likely attack vector involves untrusted content. If such content can call window.open, it can maliciously set unrestricted options, enabling the main process to access arbitrary local files or network resources.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 5, 2026 at 18:41 UTC.

Remediation

No vendor fix or workaround currently provided.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Upgrade Electron to a fixed release such as 39.8.8, 40.9.0, 41.2.1, 42.0.0‑beta.3, or later.
  • If upgrading is not immediately possible, modify the application to use setWindowOpenHandler or overrideBrowserWindowOptions to enforce strict option filtering.
  • Restrict the ability of untrusted content to invoke window.open, or validate the features string to prevent privileged options from being set.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 5, 2026 at 18:41 UTC.

Tracking

Sign in to view the affected projects.

Advisories
Source ID Title
Github GHSA Github GHSA GHSA-v93f-fgjr-hjrj Electron: window.open features string controls some window options considered privileged
History

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Electron
Electron electron
Vendors & Products Electron
Electron electron

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'yes', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description Electron is a framework for writing cross-platform desktop applications using JavaScript, HTML and CSS. Prior to 39.8.8, 40.9.0, 41.2.1, and 42.0.0-beta.3, some window options supplied by web content in the window.open() features string were applied to the new BrowserWindow without an allowlist. Untrusted content could set window options it should not control, including options that cause the main process to access attacker-chosen file or network paths, when untrusted content can call window.open() and the app does not override child window options via setWindowOpenHandler or overrideBrowserWindowOptions. This issue is fixed in 39.8.8, 40.9.0, 41.2.1, and 42.0.0-beta.3.
Title Electron: window.open features string controls some window options considered privileged
Weaknesses CWE-20
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 5.3, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N'}

Subscriptions

Electron Electron
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: GitHub_M

Published:

Updated: 2026-08-05T18:27:13.014Z

Reserved: 2026-08-04T19:50:27.329Z

Link: CVE-2026-70607

cve-icon Vulnrichment

Updated: 2026-08-05T18:27:07.834Z

cve-icon NVD

Status : Received

Published: 2026-08-05T17:16:54.687

Modified: 2026-08-05T19:17:39.990

Link: CVE-2026-70607

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-08-05T21:00:05Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-20

    Improper Input Validation