CVE-2026-48561 in Copilot
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in Microsoft Copilot allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2026
Command injection vulnerabilities occur when untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or validation, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate the intended behavior of applications. In the context of Microsoft Copilot, this weakness manifests when the application fails to adequately neutralize special characters or sequences that could alter the execution flow of underlying operating system commands. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that should prevent attackers from injecting malicious command sequences into processes that execute shell operations or system calls. This particular flaw exists within Microsoft Copilot's processing pipeline where user-provided inputs are not properly escaped or filtered before being passed to command execution functions, potentially allowing threat actors to leverage this weakness for unauthorized code execution.
The technical exploitation of this command injection vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the privileges of the Copilot service account. Attackers can craft malicious input sequences that bypass normal validation checks and inject operating system commands directly into the application's execution context. This typically involves using special characters such as semicolons, ampersands, or pipeline operators to extend the original command with additional malicious operations. The vulnerability may affect various aspects of system functionality including file operations, network communications, process management, and privilege escalation opportunities. According to common weakness enumeration standards, this represents a specific instance of cwe-77 which defines improper neutralization of special elements used in a command.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise when combined with other attack vectors or when the Copilot service operates with elevated privileges. An attacker could leverage this weakness to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malicious payloads within the target environment. The network-based nature of this vulnerability means that remote exploitation is possible without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where Copilot might be deployed across multiple systems. This weakness aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack tree framework under tactics such as privilege escalation and execution of malicious code.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the Copilot application architecture. The most effective approaches include using parameterized commands or APIs that prevent command composition from user inputs, implementing strict whitelisting of acceptable characters and command sequences, and employing proper escaping mechanisms for special characters. Organizations should also consider implementing application firewalls or web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious command injection attempts. Additionally, privilege separation techniques should be employed to ensure that the Copilot service operates with minimal necessary permissions, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on command execution pathways can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system architecture.