Handlebars.js has JavaScript Injection via AST Type Confusion by tampering @partial-block
CVE-2026-33938 is fixed in node-handlebars on 1 platform by DEBIAN-CVE-2026-33938 (version 3:4.7.9-1), released March 27, 2026. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: High.
Handlebars provides the power necessary to let users build semantic templates. In versions 4.0.0 through 4.7.8, the `@partial-block` special variable is stored in the template data context and is reachable and mutable from within a template via helpers that accept arbitrary objects. When a helper overwrites `@partial-block` with a crafted Handlebars AST, a subsequent invocation of `{{> @partial-block}}` compiles and executes that AST, enabling arbitrary JavaScript execution on the server. Version 4.7.9 fixes the issue. Some workarounds are available. First, use the runtime-only build (`require('handlebars/runtime')`). The `compile()` method is absent, eliminating the vulnerable fallback path. Second, audit registered helpers for any that write arbitrary values to context objects. Helpers should treat context data as read-only. Third, avoid registering helpers from third-party packages (such as `handlebars-helpers`) in contexts where templates or context data can be influenced by untrusted input.
Where it's fixed
| Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | |||
| node-handlebars · Debian 14 | 3:4.7.9-1 | DEBIAN-CVE-2026-33938 | Mar 27, 2026 |
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