CVE-2026-13311: shell-quote parse() is quadratic in token count, enabling denial of service

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2026-13311 is a high (CVSS 8.7) Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity vulnerability in ljharb shell-quote. EPSS estimates a 0.36% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 29.8% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 25-06-2026
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 25-06-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

shell-quote prior to 1.8.5 finalizes parsed tokens in parse() using Array.prototype.concat as a reduce accumulator, which reallocates and copies the entire growing array on every iteration. As a result parse() runs in O(n^2) time relative to the number of input tokens. An attacker who can supply an attacker-controlled string to any code path that calls parse() (no shell metacharacters are required; plain space-separated words suffice) can block the single-threaded Node.js event loop for an extended period with a small input, resulting in a denial of service. There is no code execution or data disclosure; impact is to availability only. Fixed in 1.8.5.

• CWE-407Inefficient Algorithmic ComplexityAn algorithm in a product has an inefficient worst-case computational complexity that may be detrimental to system performance and can be triggered by an attacker, typically using crafted manipulations that ensure that the worst case is being reached.