CVE-2026-18157 in Red Hat
Summary
by MITRE • 07/31/2026
A flaw was found in yggdrasil-worker-package-manager. A local attacker with existing access to the system could exploit an argument injection vulnerability in the APT backend. This allows specially crafted package names, which begin with a hyphen, to be misinterpreted as command options by apt-get. Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution (RCE) with root privileges, enabling the attacker to fully compromise the system's integrity, confidentiality, and availability.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2026
This vulnerability exists within the yggdrasil-worker-package-manager component where a local attacker with existing system access can exploit an argument injection flaw in the APT backend functionality. The technical implementation suffers from improper input validation and sanitization when processing package names that begin with hyphens, creating a condition where maliciously crafted package identifiers can be interpreted as command-line options rather than legitimate package names by the underlying apt-get utility.
The core flaw manifests as a command injection vulnerability that directly maps to CWE-77 and CWE-88 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, specifically representing an improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. When the system processes package names starting with hyphens, these characters trigger unintended interpretation by apt-get's argument parser, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary command-line parameters that can execute privileged operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables full system compromise through remote code execution capabilities. An attacker who has already established a foothold on the system can leverage this flaw to gain root privileges without requiring additional authentication mechanisms. This represents a critical security weakness that undermines the fundamental integrity of the package management system, potentially allowing attackers to modify system binaries, install backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data.
The exploitation chain begins with an attacker identifying a legitimate package installation process and crafting a malicious package name containing leading hyphens that will be passed directly to apt-get. The system's failure to properly escape or validate these inputs creates a path for arbitrary command execution, where the injected arguments can trigger privileged operations such as executing shell commands or modifying system files. This vulnerability essentially bypasses normal security boundaries and allows attackers to perform operations that should only be available to privileged users.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of package names before they are passed to apt-get, ensuring all user-provided identifiers are properly escaped or normalized. The solution approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script interpreter usage, requiring defensive measures such as restricting package manager access, implementing proper input filtering, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. System administrators should also consider updating to patched versions of yggdrasil-worker-package-manager and implementing additional security controls like mandatory access controls or containerization to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.
The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation in system utilities and highlights the importance of proper argument handling when interfacing with operating system commands. This flaw represents a significant risk to system availability as attackers can potentially disrupt package management operations, install malicious software, or completely compromise the underlying system infrastructure. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of all components that interface with system commands and implement principle of least privilege controls to minimize potential damage from similar vulnerabilities in the future.