CVE-2026-16524 in Red Hat
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2026
A command injection flaw in PCP's linux_sockets PMDA allows malicious shell metacharacters via the network.persocket.filter metric. This failed validation lets attackers execute arbitrary commands as the PMDA user when metrics refresh.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw within the Performance Co-Pilot (PCP) linux_sockets Performance Metrics Domain Agent (PMDA). The issue stems from inadequate input validation in the network.persocket.filter metric parameter, which processes user-supplied data without proper sanitization or filtering mechanisms. When metrics are refreshed, the PMDA executes commands directly based on this unvalidated input, creating a direct path for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects the linux_sockets PMDA component that monitors socket-level network performance data, making it particularly dangerous in environments where PCP is deployed for system monitoring and performance analysis.
The technical exploitation of this flaw occurs through the manipulation of the network.persocket.filter metric parameter, which accepts shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, and backticks that can be interpreted by the underlying shell during command execution. This validation failure maps directly to CWE-77, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution contexts. Attackers can craft malicious inputs that bypass normal input sanitization, allowing them to inject and execute arbitrary shell commands with the privileges of the PMDA user account. The operational impact extends beyond simple command execution as it provides attackers with potential access to system resources, network information, and the ability to escalate privileges within the monitored environment.
The security implications of this vulnerability are severe given that PCP is commonly deployed in enterprise environments for performance monitoring and system administration purposes. When an attacker successfully exploits this command injection flaw, they can execute commands as the PMDA user, which typically runs with elevated privileges necessary for accessing system metrics and network information. This presents a significant risk to system integrity and confidentiality, as attackers could potentially access sensitive performance data, modify monitoring configurations, or establish persistent access points within the monitored systems. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.004 for executing commands through shell interfaces, making it particularly concerning from a defensive standpoint.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters within the PMDA components. System administrators should apply vendor-provided patches or updates that address the specific command injection vulnerability in the linux_sockets PMDA module. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that even if an attacker compromises the PMDA process, their access remains restricted. Regular security audits and monitoring of system logs for suspicious command execution patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and disabling unnecessary PMDA modules can reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in security-sensitive components, particularly those that handle user-supplied data for system-level operations, as emphasized by both CWE guidelines and industry best practices for secure coding.