# CVE-2026-105844: Payload CMS remote code execution in import-export plugin

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-105844-payload-is-a-free-and-open-source-headless-content-management  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-06. Updated: 2026-10-06  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-105844 · Severity: critical · CVSS 4 · Published 2026-10-06

Payload's Import Export plugin contains a prototype pollution vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running the affected plugin. An attacker can exploit this flaw remotely by submitting specially crafted requests without authentication, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or service disruption.

Technologies: [Payload CMS Payload](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/payload-cms-payload). Vendors: [npm](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/npm), [Payload](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/payload), [Payload CMS](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/payload-cms).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-105844 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-105844 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-105844?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 4, published 6 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** @payloadcms/plugin-import-export (npm) SEMVER:introduced=3.0.0,fixed=3.88.0; Payload Plugin-Import-Export >= 3.0.0, < 3.88.0; >= 4.0.0-canary.0, < 4.0.0-canary.27; Payload CMS Payload 3.0.0 to 3.87.x; 4.0.0-canary.0 to 4.0.0-canary.26.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-105844?** Yes. @payloadcms/plugin-import-export (npm): upgrade to 3.88.0 or later. Until then: Disable the Import Export plugin or restrict access to its endpoints until upgrading to a patched version. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-105844 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-105844?** Check whether you run @payloadcms/plugin-import-export (npm), Payload Plugin-Import-Export or Payload CMS Payload at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- @payloadcms/plugin-import-export (npm): upgrade to 3.88.0 or later

  ```sh
  npm install @payloadcms/plugin-import-export@3.88.0
  ```


Disable the Import Export plugin or restrict access to its endpoints until upgrading to a patched version.

## Technical details

The vulnerability is a prototype pollution flaw (CWE-1321) in the Import Export plugin that allows unauthenticated remote code execution. The attack requires no authentication, privileges, or user interaction, and exploits a network-accessible endpoint. An attacker can submit malicious import payloads to execute arbitrary code on the server.

## Affected products

- Payload plugin-import-export >= 3.0.0, < 3.88.0; >= 4.0.0-canary.0, < 4.0.0-canary.27

## Identifiers

- CVE-2026-105844
- GHSA-qf28-8hc6-vwrp

## Timeline

- 2026-09-22: disclosed
- 2026-10-06: advisory

## References

- [https://api.github.com/users/iamnoooob](https://api.github.com/users/iamnoooob)

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