Description
Locutus brings stdlibs of other programming languages to JavaScript for educational purposes. Prior to version 3.0.25, the `unserialize()` function in `locutus/php/var/unserialize` assigns deserialized keys to plain objects via bracket notation without filtering the `__proto__` key. When a PHP serialized payload contains `__proto__` as an array or object key, JavaScript's `__proto__` setter is invoked, replacing the deserialized object's prototype with attacker-controlled content. This enables property injection, for...in propagation of injected properties, and denial of service via built-in method override. This is distinct from the previously reported prototype pollution in `parse_str` (GHSA-f98m-q3hr-p5wq, GHSA-rxrv-835q-v5mh) — `unserialize` is a different function with no mitigation applied. Version 3.0.25 patches the issue.
Affected products
locutus: locutus
References4
- github.com/locutusjs/locutus/security/advisories/GHSA-4mph-v827… ExploitMitigationVendor Advisory
- github.com/locutusjs/locutus/commit/345a6211e1e6f939f96a7090bfe… Patch
- github.com/locutusjs/locutus/pull/597 Issue Tracking
- github.com/locutusjs/locutus/releases/tag/v3.0.25 Release Notes
Metrics
- CVSS 3.1
-
9.8
CRITICAL
Score source: NVD
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - CVSS 4.0
-
6.9
MEDIUM
Score source: CNA
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X - EPSS — exploit probability
- 1% percentile: 49 · as of 12 November 2026
- CWE
- CWE-1321
Could this be exploited in your environment?
A patch closes the known hole. A penetration test shows what an attacker can still reach — with proof.