CVE-2026-38595 in Scriptables
Summary
by MITRE • 11/03/2026
An issue in im3x Scriptables through v2-dev branch allows attackers to inject arbitrary OS commands via uploading a file with a crafted filename to the /sync endpoint.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2026
The vulnerability identified within the im3x Scriptables application, specifically affecting versions up to and including the v2-dev branch, represents a critical server-side command injection flaw rooted in improper input validation at the synchronization interface. This security defect allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the underlying host infrastructure by exploiting the file upload mechanism associated with the /sync endpoint. The core technical failure lies in the application's handling of filenames provided during the upload process, where user-supplied data is incorporated into shell commands without adequate sanitization or encoding, thereby creating a direct pathway for command injection attacks.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command, commonly known as OS Command Injection. When a user uploads a file through the /sync endpoint, the backend service likely processes the filename to perform operations such as moving, renaming, or archiving the uploaded content. If these internal functions construct system calls using string concatenation that includes the raw filename value, an attacker can craft a malicious payload within the filename field. By inserting shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, ampersands, or backticks, the attacker can break out of the intended command context and append additional commands for execution by the operating system shell running with the privileges of the application process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, potentially leading to a complete compromise of the affected server environment. Successful exploitation enables an unauthenticated or low-privileged user to achieve remote code execution (RCE) on the target machine. Depending on the security context and permissions assigned to the im3x Scriptables service account, attackers could escalate privileges, exfiltrate sensitive data stored within the application's directory structure, install persistent backdoors, pivot into internal network segments, or disrupt service availability by terminating critical processes. This level of access effectively grants full control over the host system, undermining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of both the application and any dependent services.
This attack vector aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to Command and Scripting Interpretation, specifically T1059 which covers various scripting languages and shell commands used by adversaries to execute malicious code on compromised systems. The exploitation method also reflects aspects of CWE-20 Improper Input Validation, as the system fails to restrict or validate the characters allowed in filenames before processing them in a command context. Such flaws are particularly dangerous because they often bypass standard web application firewalls that may not inspect file metadata fields with sufficient depth for shell injection patterns.
To mitigate this vulnerability, immediate remediation efforts should focus on implementing strict input validation and output encoding strategies at the /sync endpoint. Developers must enforce allowlisting of acceptable characters in filenames, rejecting any input containing special shell metacharacters or sequences indicative of command execution attempts. Furthermore, it is essential to refactor the backend code to avoid passing user-supplied data directly into system commands. Instead, applications should utilize language-specific APIs that separate program arguments from executable paths, ensuring that file names are treated strictly as data rather than part of a command string. Additionally, applying principle of least privilege by running the application with minimal necessary permissions can limit the potential damage if an exploitation attempt succeeds. Regular security audits and static code analysis focused on OS interaction points will help prevent similar issues in future development cycles.