CVE-2026-14625 in hermes-agent
Summary
by MITRE • 07/04/2026
A security flaw has been discovered in NousResearch hermes-agent up to 0.15.2. The affected element is the function shell.exec of the file tui_gateway/server.py. The manipulation results in protection mechanism failure. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been released to the public and may be used for attacks. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2026
The vulnerability identified in NousResearch hermes-agent version 0.15.2 represents a critical security flaw within the tui_gateway/server.py file that specifically targets the shell.exec function. This function appears to lack proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to bypass existing protection measures. The flaw exists in the terminal user interface gateway component of the application, which serves as a bridge between user interactions and underlying system commands, making it a prime target for remote exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter handling within the shell.exec function, which likely directly incorporates user-supplied input into system command execution without proper sanitization or validation. This creates a classic command injection vulnerability that falls under the CWE-78 category for improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. The absence of input filtering and output encoding means that malicious actors can craft payloads that manipulate the function to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risk as it enables remote code execution capabilities without requiring authentication or local access privileges. Attackers can exploit this flaw from external networks to gain unauthorized control over systems running vulnerable versions of the hermes-agent software. The public availability of exploitation tools further amplifies the threat landscape, as adversaries no longer require advanced technical skills to leverage this vulnerability. This type of remote exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting remote execution through system commands.
The lack of vendor response following early disclosure represents a critical gap in the security ecosystem, leaving users exposed to potential attacks without official patches or mitigation guidance. Organizations utilizing this software should immediately implement network segmentation measures and monitor for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple command execution as it can potentially enable privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms that attackers might employ to maintain long-term access to compromised systems.
Recommended mitigations include immediate deployment of vendor patches if available, implementation of network-based restrictions limiting access to the affected service, and comprehensive monitoring for unusual command execution patterns. Organizations should also consider disabling the vulnerable shell.exec functionality entirely if not essential for operations, while implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The incident highlights the importance of proactive vulnerability management and vendor communication in maintaining secure software ecosystems, particularly when dealing with security flaws that affect critical infrastructure components.