CVE-2026-72739 in Dokploy
Summary
by MITRE • 08/10/2026
Dokploy is a free, self-hostable Platform as a Service (PaaS). Prior to 0.29.13, the createCommand() function constructs shell commands by interpolating compose service names and configuration into bash command strings. When a compose with a maliciously crafted name or service definition is deployed, the shell metacharacters are interpreted as command separators, allowing arbitrary command execution on the Docker host. This vulnerability is fixed in 0.29.13.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2026
The vulnerability identified in Dokploy versions prior to 0.29.13 represents a critical command injection flaw that undermines the security posture of this self-hostable Platform as a Service solution. This issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the createCommand() function, which serves as the core component responsible for constructing shell commands during container orchestration processes. The flaw manifests when the system processes docker compose service definitions that contain maliciously crafted names or configurations, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can influence command execution at the operating system level.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability operates through unsafe string interpolation techniques that directly embed user-supplied compose service names and configuration parameters into bash command strings without proper sanitization. When a docker compose file contains shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks within service names or configuration values, these characters are interpreted by the shell as command separators rather than literal string content. This fundamental design flaw allows an attacker to inject arbitrary commands that execute with the privileges of the Docker host process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command injection, creating a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to underlying infrastructure resources. Since Dokploy operates as a PaaS solution that manages containerized applications on behalf of users, successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the host machine with elevated permissions. This scenario presents particularly severe risks in multi-tenant environments where multiple users deploy applications through the platform, as compromise of one user's deployment could potentially affect the entire hosting infrastructure.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command," and represents a classic example of how unsafe command construction can lead to privilege escalation attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a command and control technique under T1059.004 for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell,' where attackers leverage shell injection to execute malicious payloads. The fix implemented in version 0.29.13 addresses this by introducing proper input sanitization and parameter validation mechanisms that prevent shell metacharacters from being interpreted as command separators, ensuring that user-supplied compose service names are properly escaped or validated before integration into shell commands.
Organizations utilizing Dokploy should prioritize immediate upgrade to version 0.29.13 or later to mitigate this risk, while also implementing additional monitoring measures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper command construction practices in container orchestration platforms, where even seemingly benign configuration parameters can become attack vectors when insufficiently sanitized. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based detection mechanisms that monitor for unusual command execution patterns and shell metacharacter usage within their Dokploy deployments to provide additional layers of defense against potential exploitation attempts.