CVE-2026-22708 in Cursor
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2026
Cursor is a code editor built for programming with AI. Prior to 2.3, hen the Cursor Agent is running in Auto-Run Mode with Allowlist mode enabled, certain shell built-ins can still be executed without appearing in the allowlist and without requiring user approval. This allows an attacker via indirect or direct prompt injection to poison the shell environment by setting, modifying, or removing environment variables that influence trusted commands. This vulnerability is fixed in 2.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-22708 affects Cursor, a code editor designed for programming with artificial intelligence integration. This security flaw exists in versions prior to 2.3 and specifically impacts the Cursor Agent's operation when configured in Auto-Run Mode with Allowlist mode enabled. The vulnerability represents a critical breakdown in the application's security model, as it permits execution of shell built-ins that should be restricted by the allowlist mechanism. The flaw occurs because certain shell built-ins can be executed without proper authorization checks, bypassing the intended security controls that should prevent unauthorized command execution. This represents a significant deviation from the expected security posture where the allowlist should serve as the primary control mechanism for restricting shell operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of shell built-ins within the Cursor Agent's execution pipeline. When Auto-Run Mode is enabled with Allowlist mode active, the system should enforce strict controls over which commands can be executed and how they interact with the underlying shell environment. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to exploit indirect or direct prompt injection techniques to manipulate the shell environment. The specific mechanism involves environment variable manipulation through shell built-ins that are not properly filtered or restricted by the allowlist. This creates a pathway where attackers can set, modify, or remove environment variables that influence how trusted commands are executed, effectively undermining the security controls that should prevent such manipulations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution privileges, as it enables attackers to manipulate the entire shell environment that the Cursor Agent operates within. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can effectively poison the shell environment by modifying critical environment variables that influence command behavior, potentially leading to privilege escalation or further system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates silently within the Auto-Run Mode context, meaning that malicious command execution can occur without explicit user approval or awareness. This makes the attack vector particularly insidious as it can be leveraged for persistent access or to establish a foothold within systems where Cursor is deployed. The ability to modify environment variables also means that attackers can potentially influence how other applications or system components interact with the shell, creating cascading security implications.
The mitigation for CVE-2026-22708 requires immediate deployment of version 2.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly enforce the allowlist restrictions for shell built-ins. Organizations should also implement additional security monitoring to detect unauthorized environment variable modifications or suspicious command execution patterns within systems where Cursor is deployed. The fix addresses the core issue by ensuring that all shell built-ins are properly validated against the allowlist before execution, preventing bypass mechanisms that previously allowed unauthorized commands to run. Security teams should also consider implementing additional controls such as environment variable whitelisting, regular security audits of shell execution contexts, and monitoring for unusual patterns of environment variable manipulation. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and execution control in AI-assisted development environments where automated command execution is prevalent, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through social engineering or manipulation of system components.