CVE-2026-31246 in GPT-Pilot
Summary
by MITRE • 05/11/2026
GPT-Pilot thru commit 0819827ce20346ef5f25b3fe29293cb448840565 (2025-09-03) contains a command injection vulnerability (CWE-78) in the Executor.run() method. During project execution, when the system prompts the user to confirm or modify a command to be run, it accepts free-text input without proper validation. The user-supplied input is directly passed to asyncio.create_subprocess_shell() for execution. This allows an attacker to replace the intended command with arbitrary shell commands, leading to remote code execution with the privileges of the GPT-Pilot process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability under examination represents a critical command injection flaw within GPT-Pilot's execution framework, specifically manifesting in the Executor.run() method where inadequate input validation creates a pathway for malicious code execution. This issue stems from the system's failure to properly sanitize user-provided input during command confirmation prompts, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow through crafted input that bypasses normal validation mechanisms. The vulnerability is categorized as CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, making it a well-documented and severe class of vulnerability in cybersecurity literature.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the system accepts free-text input from users during command execution confirmation phases, directly passing this unvalidated data to the asyncio.create_subprocess_shell() function. This function executes shell commands in a manner that exposes the underlying operating system to arbitrary command execution, effectively transforming user input into executable shell operations. The absence of proper input sanitization or parameterization means that any special shell characters or sequences provided by an attacker can be interpreted and executed by the underlying shell, creating a direct pathway for remote code execution. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that execution occurs with the privileges of the GPT-Pilot process, potentially enabling attackers to access system resources, escalate privileges, or compromise the entire execution environment.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to system security and integrity, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring authentication or physical access to the system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability occurs during normal user interaction phases, meaning that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this flaw. The execution environment becomes compromised, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access, escalate privileges, or conduct further reconnaissance activities. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and denial of service conditions that could affect the availability and confidentiality of system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent special shell characters from being interpreted as command sequences. The most effective approach involves parameterizing command execution rather than relying on string concatenation with user input, ensuring that user-provided data cannot be executed as shell commands. Additionally, implementing proper privilege separation and sandboxing techniques can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing input filtering at multiple levels, including application-level validation and operating system-level protections such as mandatory access controls. The remediation process must include thorough code review and testing to ensure that all user-supplied inputs are properly sanitized before any system interaction occurs. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically shell scripting, and represents a critical weakness that requires immediate attention to prevent potential exploitation by malicious actors.