Remote Code Execution
Remote Code Execution represents the critical moment when an attacker successfully runs arbitrary code on a target system without physical access.
How It Works
Remote Code Execution represents the critical moment when an attacker successfully runs arbitrary code on a target system without physical access. Unlike a single vulnerability class, RCE is an outcome—the catastrophic result of exploiting underlying weaknesses in how applications process input, manage memory, or handle executable content.
Attackers typically achieve RCE by chaining vulnerabilities or exploiting a single critical flaw. Common pathways include injecting malicious payloads through deserialization flaws (where untrusted data becomes executable objects), command injection (where user input flows into system commands), buffer overflows (overwriting memory to hijack execution flow), or unsafe file uploads (placing executable code on the server). Server-Side Template Injection and SQL injection can also escalate to code execution when attackers leverage database or template engine features.
The attack flow usually begins with reconnaissance to identify vulnerable endpoints, followed by crafting a payload that exploits the specific weakness, then executing commands to establish persistence or pivot deeper into the network. Modern exploits often use multi-stage payloads—initial lightweight code that downloads and executes more sophisticated tooling.
Impact
- Complete system compromise — attacker gains shell access with application privileges, potentially escalating to root/SYSTEM
- Data exfiltration — unrestricted access to databases, configuration files, credentials, and sensitive business data
- Lateral movement — compromised server becomes a beachhead to attack internal networks and other systems
- Ransomware deployment — direct pathway to encrypt files and disable backups
- Persistence mechanisms — installation of backdoors, web shells, and rootkits for long-term access
- Supply chain attacks — modification of application code or dependencies to compromise downstream users
Real-World Examples
The n8n workflow automation platform (CVE-2024-21858) demonstrated how RCE can emerge in unexpected places-attackers exploited unsafe workflow execution to run arbitrary code on self-hosted instances. The Log4j vulnerability (Log4Shell) showed RCE at massive scale when attackers sent specially crafted JNDI lookup strings that triggered remote class loading in Java applications worldwide.
Atlassian Confluence instances have faced multiple RCE vulnerabilities through OGNL injection flaws, where attackers inject Object-Graph Navigation Language expressions that execute with server privileges. These required no authentication, enabling attackers to compromise thousands of internet-exposed instances within hours of disclosure.
Mitigation
- Input validation and sanitization — strict allowlists for all user-controlled data, especially in execution contexts
- Sandboxing and containerization — isolate application processes with minimal privileges using containers, VMs, or security contexts
- Disable dangerous functions — remove or restrict features like code evaluation, system command execution, and dynamic deserialization
- Network segmentation — limit blast radius by isolating sensitive systems and restricting outbound connections
- Web Application Firewalls — detect and block common RCE patterns in HTTP traffic
- Runtime application self-protection (RASP) — monitor application behavior for execution anomalies
- Regular patching — prioritize updates for components with known RCE vulnerabilities
Recent CVEs (35530)
Multiple authenticated OS command injection vulnerabilities exist in the Cohesity (formerly Stone Ram) TranZman 4.0 Build 14614 through TZM_1757588060_SEP2025_FULL.depot web application API endpoints (including Scheduler and Actions pages). [CVSS 7.2 HIGH]
Tranzman versions up to 4.0 is affected by insufficient verification of data authenticity (CVSS 7.2).
An issue was discovered in Nokia Impact before Mobile 23_FP1. In Impact DM 19.11 onwards, a remote authenticated user, using the Add Campaign functionality, can inject a malicious payload within the Campaign Name. [CVSS 2.0 LOW]
RCE in Apache Ranger <= 2.7.0 via NashornScriptEngineCreator. EPSS 0.42%.
Cross Site Scripting vulnerability in Wethink Technology Inc 720yun pano-sdk 0.5.877 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the LoginComp (Module 2093) and SignupComp (Module 2094) modules. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Chamilo LMS prior to 1.11.28 has a code injection through SOAP request parameters enabling remote code execution.
Chamilo is a learning management system. Chamillo is affected by a post-authentication phar unserialize which leads to a remote code execution (RCE) within versions 1.11.12 to 1.11.26. [CVSS 7.2 HIGH]
Mattermost Desktop is affected by inclusion of functionality from untrusted control sphere (CVSS 4.6).
DobryCMS has an unauthenticated file upload vulnerability allowing remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary files on the web server.
Soliton Systems installers for Securebrowser For Onegate, Secureworkspace, and Securebrowser II fail to set proper file permissions during installation, enabling local authenticated users to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. An attacker with user-level access can exploit this misconfiguration to achieve full system compromise. No patch is currently available.
Junrar versions prior to 7.5.8 contain a path traversal vulnerability in LocalFolderExtractor that allows attackers to write arbitrary files to the filesystem when processing malicious RAR archives on Linux/Unix systems. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, which can facilitate remote code execution through file overwrite attacks such as modifying shell profiles or cron jobs. Users should upgrade to version 7.5.8 or later to remediate this issue.
FTP command injection in GVfs backend allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary FTP commands by embedding CRLF sequences in crafted file paths, potentially leading to unauthorized access or code execution. The vulnerability requires user interaction and affects systems utilizing the FTP GVfs backend for file operations. A patch is available to remediate this input validation weakness.
ServiceNow has addressed a remote code execution vulnerability that was identified in the ServiceNow AI platform. This vulnerability could enable an unauthenticated user, in certain circumstances, to execute code within the ServiceNow Sandbox.
Remote code execution in LangGraph's caching layer affects applications that explicitly enable cache backends inheriting from BaseCache with nodes opted into caching via CachePolicy. An attacker can exploit unsafe deserialization through pickle when msgpack serialization fails, allowing arbitrary code execution on affected systems. This vulnerability requires explicit cache configuration and does not affect default deployments.
Arbitrary file upload via subtitle loading in asbplayer v1.13.0 allows execution of malicious files through crafted subtitle files.
InvenTree prior to version 1.2.3 allows authenticated staff users to inject malicious Jinja2 template code into batch code generation functionality, enabling server-side template injection that can expose sensitive data or execute arbitrary code. Once a staff member modifies the template maliciously, any user triggering batch code generation via the API will execute the injected code within their user context. This vulnerability requires staff-level access to set up but can be exploited by lower-privileged users once the malicious template is in place.
Arbitrary file write in Dagu workflow engine up to version 1.16.7 allows authenticated users with DAG write permissions to place malicious YAML files anywhere on the filesystem due to insufficient name validation in the CreateNewDAG API endpoint. Since Dagu executes DAG files as shell commands, an attacker can achieve remote code execution by overwriting existing DAGs or configuration files. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and a patch is available.
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in a FileMaker WebDirect custom homepage could lead to unauthorized access and remote code execution. This vulnerability has been fully addressed in FileMaker Server 22.0.4 and FileMaker Server 21.1.7. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Stored cross-site scripting in Binardat 10G08-0800GSM network switch firmware through version V300SP10260209 enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript within authenticated user sessions via the web interface. An attacker with network access can inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of legitimate users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized configuration changes. No patch is currently available.
Authentication bypass in FUXA SCADA/HMI system 1.2.8 and prior leading to Remote Code Execution. Unauthenticated attackers can execute arbitrary code on industrial control HMI systems. EPSS 0.64% with PoC available.
Cryptopro Secure Disk contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the root user and enables an attacker t (CVSS 6.8).
DAG Author (who already has quite a lot of permissions) could manipulate database of Airflow 2 in the way to execute arbitrary code in the web-server context, which they should normally not be able to do, leading to potentially remote code execution in the context of web-server (server-side) as a result of a user viewing historical task information. [CVSS 8.4 HIGH]
Arbitrary code injection in ImageMagick's PostScript and HTML encoders allows attackers to inject malicious code that executes when files are processed by downstream applications like Ghostscript or web viewers. The vulnerability affects versions prior to 7.1.2-15 and 6.9.13-40 due to insufficient input sanitization in the ps and html coders. Users processing untrusted image files are at risk of code execution, though no patch is currently available.
The Print Service component of Fiserv Originate Loans Peripherals (formerly Velocity Services) in unsupported version 2021.2.4 (build 4.7.3155.0011) uses deprecated .NET Remoting TCP channels that allow unsafe deserialization of untrusted data.
Response-stream injection in Valkey (the Redis fork) lets an authenticated user abuse Lua scripting commands to smuggle arbitrary bytes into the reply stream, corrupting or tampering with data returned to other users sharing the same connection. The flaw stems from the Lua script error-handling path mishandling null characters. It affects all releases prior to 9.0.2, 8.1.6, 8.0.7, and 7.2.12. No public exploit identified at time of analysis; EPSS exploitation probability is negligible (0.02%, 4th percentile) and the issue is not in CISA KEV.
A flaw was found in the 389-ds-base server. A heap buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the `schema_attr_enum_callback` function within the `schema.c` file. [CVSS 7.2 HIGH]
Prototype pollution in Webaudiorecorder.js versions 0.1 and 0.1.1 allows authenticated remote attackers to modify object properties through the extend function in Dynamic Config Handling, potentially leading to information disclosure or data manipulation. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, though exploitation requires high complexity and specific preconditions. The vendor has not released a patch and did not respond to disclosure attempts.
Remote code execution in Deciso OPNsense's backup functionality allows authenticated network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges through insufficient input validation in the diag_backup.php file. An attacker with valid credentials can inject malicious commands into backup filename parameters to achieve code execution on the affected system. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Predictable bucket naming in Vertex AI Experiments in Google Cloud Vertex AI from version 1.21.0 up to (but not including) 1.133.0 on Google Cloud Platform allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to achieve cross-tenant remote code execution, model theft, and poisoning via pre-creating predictably named Cloud Storage buckets (Bucket Squatting).
RCE in Smanga 3.2.7 via command injection in /php/path/rescan.php. EPSS 0.29%.
Unrestricted file upload in Wiguard (wiguard) WordPress theme allows uploading web shells for remote code execution.
Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') vulnerability in inpersttion Inpersttion For Theme err-our-team allows Code Injection.This issue affects Inpersttion For Theme: from n/a through <= 1.0. [CVSS 7.6 HIGH]
GFI MailEssentials AI versions prior to 22.4 allow authenticated users to enumerate arbitrary directories on the server through the ListServer.IsPathExist() web method, which fails to validate filesystem paths before checking their existence. An attacker with valid credentials can exploit this information disclosure vulnerability to map the server's directory structure and identify sensitive locations. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
GFI MailEssentials AI versions before 22.4 expose a file enumeration vulnerability in the ListServer.IsDBExist() web method that allows authenticated users to probe arbitrary filesystem paths and determine file existence on the server. An attacker can exploit this by submitting unrestricted paths via the JSON "path" parameter, which are processed without validation, disclosing sensitive information about the server's filesystem structure. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
The server API endpoint /report/internet/urls reflects received data into the HTML response without applying proper encoding or filtering. This allows an attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the victim's browser if the victim opens a URL prepared by the attacker. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Authenticated remote code execution affects multiple WSO2 products (API Manager 4.2.0-4.6.0, API Control Plane 4.5.0-4.6.0, Universal Gateway 4.5.0, and Traffic Manager 4.5.0-4.6.0) through an unrestricted file upload exposed via a system REST API. An administrator-level attacker can place an arbitrary file at a user-controlled path and trigger code execution on the host. No public exploit identified at time of analysis, EPSS is low at 0.28%, and a vendor patch is available per WSO2 advisory WSO2-2025-4849.
Server-side template injection via Apache Velocity in WSO2 Identity Server 5.11.0 enables an authenticated administrator to execute arbitrary code on the underlying server. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sandboxing of user-controlled input passed to the Velocity rendering engine in admin-accessible surfaces, allowing template directives to invoke JVM reflection and reach OS-level execution. No public exploit code has been identified at time of analysis; EPSS of 0.44% at the 63rd percentile indicates moderate relative interest but low absolute near-term exploitation probability.
The CTX Feed - WooCommerce Product Feed Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized arbitrary plugin installation due to a missing capability check on the woo_feed_plugin_installing() function in all versions up to, and including, 6.6.11. [CVSS 7.2 HIGH]
The NewsBlogger theme for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in versions 0.2.5.6 to 0.2.6.1. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the newsblogger_install_and_activate_plugin() function. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Buffer overflow in ChaosPro 2.0 fractal generator via configuration file path handling allows code execution through crafted configuration files. PoC available.
Aida64 Engineer 6.10.5200 contains a buffer overflow vulnerability in the CSV logging configuration that allows attackers to execute malicious code by crafting a specially designed payload. [CVSS 9.8 CRITICAL]
Ffmpeg contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to a double-free condition, potentially causing FFmpeg or any application using it (CVSS 3.3).
Scholars Tracking System versions up to 1.0 is affected by unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type (CVSS 8.8).
Arbitrary code execution in the NLTK (Natural Language Toolkit) Python library affects all versions through its data downloader: the _unzip_iter function in nltk/downloader.py calls zipfile.extractall() with no path validation, so a malicious data package can drop attacker-controlled Python files (e.g. __init__.py) that execute automatically on import. Any application that downloads NLTK data from an attacker-influenced source is exposed to full remote code execution. Publicly available exploit code exists (huntr.com bounty), EPSS is modest at 0.57% (68th percentile), and there is no public exploit identified as actively exploited in CISA KEV.
Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerability in OpenText™ Directory Services allows Object Injection. The vulnerability could lead to remote code execution, denial of service, or privilege escalation.
An arbitrary code execution vulnerability exists in the Code Stream directive functionality of OpenCFD OpenFOAM 2506. A specially crafted OpenFOAM simulation file can lead to arbitrary code execution. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
A vulnerability has been identified in Rexroth IndraWorks. This flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the user's system by parsing a manipulated file containing malicious serialized data. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
A vulnerability has been identified in Rexroth IndraWorks. This flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the user's system by parsing a manipulated file containing malicious serialized data. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
A vulnerability has been identified in the UA.Testclient utility, which is included in Rexroth IndraWorks. All versions prior to 15V24 are affected. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
A vulnerability has been identified in the OPC.Testclient utility, which is included in Rexroth IndraWorks. All versions prior to 15V24 are affected. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NVIDIA NeMo Framework contains a vulnerability where an attacker could cause remote code execution by convincing a user to load a maliciously crafted file. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, denial of service, information disclosure, and data tampering. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NVIDIA NeMo Framework contains a vulnerability where an attacker could cause remote code execution. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, denial of service, information disclosure, and data tampering. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NVIDIA NeMo Framework contains a vulnerability where an attacker could cause remote code execution. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, denial of service, information disclosure, and data tampering. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NVIDIA NeMo Framework contains a vulnerability where an attacker could cause remote code execution. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, denial of service, information disclosure, and data tampering. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NVIDIA NeMo Framework contains a vulnerability where malicious data could cause remote code execution. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, and data tampering. [CVSS 8.0 HIGH]
NVIDIA NeMo Framework contains a vulnerability where an attacker could cause remote code execution in distributed environments. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, and data tampering. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NVIDIA NeMo Framework contains a vulnerability where an attacker could cause remote code execution by loading a maliciously crafted file. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, and data tampering. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NVIDIA Megatron Bridge contains a vulnerability in a data shuffling tutorial, where malicious input could cause a code injection. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, and data tampering. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NVIDIA Megatron Bridge contains a vulnerability in a data merging tutorial, where malicious input could cause a code injection. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, and data tampering. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
Arbitrary file deletion in WP-DownloadManager plugin versions up to 1.69 allows high-privileged WordPress administrators to bypass path validation and remove critical system files through directory traversal in the file deletion parameter. Deletion of essential files like wp-config.php can result in remote code execution or complete site compromise. No patch is currently available.
Path traversal in Rocket TRUfusion Enterprise through 7.10.5 via /axis2/services endpoint allows authenticated attackers to read and write arbitrary files on the host. EPSS 0.32%.
Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI) in Datart v1.0.0-rc.3 via Freemarker template engine allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary code on the server.
An issue in Datart v1.0.0-rc.3 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via the url parameter in the JDBC configuration [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
An issue in Visual Studio Code Extensions Markdown Preview Enhanced v0.8.18 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via uploading a crafted .Md file. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
An issue in the code-runner.executorMap setting of Visual Studio Code Extensions Code Runner v0.12.2 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code when opening a crafted workspace. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
The specific flaw exists within the Bluetooth stack developed by Alps Alpine of the Infotainment ECU manufactured by Bosch. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
The specific flaw exists within the Bluetooth stack developed by Alps Alpine of the Infotainment ECU manufactured by Bosch. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
The specific flaw exists within the Bluetooth stack developed by Alps Alpine of the Infotainment ECU manufactured by Bosch. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Bosch Infotainment ECU's RH850 CAN module has a stack buffer overflow enabling potential code execution through crafted CAN bus messages.
An issue in OpenSourcePOS v3.4.1 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via returning a crafted AJAX response. [CVSS 7.4 HIGH]
FTP Commander Pro 8.03 contains a local stack overflow vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by overwriting the EIP register through a custom command input. [CVSS 8.4 HIGH]
Heatmiser Netmonitor v3.03 contains an HTML injection vulnerability in the outputSetup.htm page that allows attackers to inject malicious HTML code through the outputtitle parameter. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Stack overflow in FTP Navigator 8.03 via SEH overwrite. PoC available.
An issue in filosoft Comerc.32 Commercial Invoicing v.16.0.0.3 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via the comeinst.exe file [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
A DLL hijacking vulnerability in Doc Nav could allow a local attacker to achieve privilege escalation, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
In Infoblox NIOS through 9.0.7, insecure deserialization can result in remote code execution. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
An unintended proxy or intermediary in the AMD power management firmware (PMFW) could allow a privileged attacker to send malformed messages to the system management unit (SMU) potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution. [CVSS 7.2 HIGH]
RCE in Chevereto 3.13.4 image hosting via code injection during database configuration. Allows injecting code during installation/setup. PoC available.
Unsafe deserialization in DiskCache Python library through 5.6.3. Uses pickle by default, allowing attackers with cache directory write access to execute arbitrary code.
An issue was discovered in Pacom Unison Client 5.13.1. Authenticated users can inject malicious scripts in the Report Templates which are executed when certain script conditions are fulfilled, leading to Remote Code Execution. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Incorrect permission assignment in AMD µProf may allow a local user-privileged attacker to achieve privilege escalation, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution.
A DLL hijacking vulnerability in Vivado could allow a local attacker to achieve privilege escalation, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
A DLL hijacking vulnerability in the AMD Software Installer could allow an attacker to achieve privilege escalation potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
Improper handling of parameters in the AMD Secure Processor (ASP) could allow a privileged attacker to pass an arbitrary memory value to functions in the trusted execution environment resulting in arbitrary code execution
ActiveFaxServiceNT service contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code (CVSS 7.8).
Zilab Remote Console Server 3.2.9 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
Roundcube Webmail versions up to 1.5.13 is affected by inclusion of functionality from untrusted control sphere (CVSS 4.7).
Lucky Wheel Giveaway (WordPress plugin) versions up to 1.0.22 is affected by code injection (CVSS 7.2).
Insufficient parameter sanitization in AMD Secure Processor (ASP) Boot Loader could allow an attacker with access to SPIROM upgrade to overwrite the memory, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution.
A buffer overflow in the AMD Secure Processor (ASP) bootloader could allow an attacker to overwrite memory, potentially resulting in privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- other
- Total CVEs
- 35530