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 (35537)
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.
Improper input validation in system management mode (SMM) could allow a privileged attacker to overwrite stack memory leading to arbitrary code execution.
Improper input validation in the SMM handler could allow an attacker with Ring0 access to write to SMRAM and modify execution flow for S3 (sleep) wake up, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution.
Guest users on TP-Link Tapo C260 v1 cameras can modify protected device settings by exploiting inadequate access controls on synchronization endpoints. Authenticated attackers with limited privileges can bypass restrictions to change sensitive configuration parameters without authorization. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
TP-Link Tapo C260 v1 firmware contains a path traversal vulnerability in HTTPS GET request handling that allows local network attackers to probe filesystem paths and determine file existence without authentication. While the vulnerability does not permit file read, write, or code execution, it enables information disclosure about the device's filesystem structure to unauthenticated local users. No patch is currently available.
The VAPIX API mediaclip.cgi that did not have a sufficient input validation allowing for a possible remote code execution. This flaw can only be exploited after authenticating with an operator- or administrator- privileged service account. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Wedding Slideshow Studio 1.36 has a buffer overflow allowing code execution through crafted project files.
Parallaxis Cuckoo Clock 5.0 has a buffer overflow enabling code execution through crafted input.
eLection 2.0 contains an authenticated SQL injection vulnerability in the candidate management endpoint that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through the 'id' parameter. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
BstHdLogRotatorSvc service contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code (CVSS 7.8).
Alps HID Monitor Service 8.1.0.10 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
Wondershare Application Framework Service 2.4.3.231 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
A security issue was discovered in ingress-nginx where the `nginx.ingress.kubernetes.io/auth-proxy-set-headers` Ingress annotation can be used to inject configuration into nginx. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Tanium addressed an unauthorized code execution vulnerability in Tanium Appliance. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
An issue in ChestnutCMS v.1.5.8 and before allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the template creation function [CVSS 7.2 HIGH]
Monstra Cms versions up to 3.0.4 is affected by unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type (CVSS 8.8).
10-Strike Network Inventory Explorer 8.54 contains a structured exception handler buffer overflow vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by overwriting SEH records. [CVSS 8.4 HIGH]
PHP-Fusion 9.03.50 contains a remote code execution vulnerability in the 'add_panel_form()' function that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code through an eval() function with unsanitized POST data. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Unauthenticated remote code execution via OS command injection in Edimax EW-7438RPn-v3 Mini wireless extender firmware 1.27. EPSS 1.3% with PoC available.
Remote code execution via OS command injection in Pinger 1.0 allows attackers to inject shell commands through the ping target parameter. EPSS 12.2% indicates significant exploitation likelihood. PoC available.
CODE::BLOCKS 16.01 contains a buffer overflow vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by overwriting Structured Exception Handler with crafted Unicode characters. [CVSS 5.5 MEDIUM]
Buffer overflow in Rubo DICOM Viewer 2.0 through the DICOM server name input field allows attackers to execute arbitrary code. PoC available.
A discrepancy between how Go and C/C++ comments were parsed allowed for code smuggling into the resulting cgo binary. [CVSS 8.6 HIGH]
gbClientService contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges (CVSS 7.8).
Shrew Soft VPN Client 2.2.2 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can place malicious executables in the unquoted service path to gain elevated access during service startup or system reboot. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
BartVPNService contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges (CVSS 7.8).
ScsiAccess service contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code (CVSS 7.8).
EasyRedirect service contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code (CVSS 7.8).
CCSrvProxy service contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code (CVSS 7.8).
Wing Ftp Server versions up to 6.0.7 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges (CVSS 7.8).
Coto versions up to 11.4.0 is affected by unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type (CVSS 6.5).
The SportsPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 2.7.26 via shortcodes 'template_name' attribute. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level and above permissions, to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where php file type can be...
Docker Desktop for Windows contains multiple incorrect permission assignment vulnerabilities in the installer's handling of the C:\ProgramData\DockerDesktop directory. [CVSS 6.7 MEDIUM]
Arbitrary command execution with system privileges in Android's FacAtFunction component allows a privileged physical attacker to bypass input validation controls prior to the February 2026 Security Maintenance Release 1. An adversary with physical access and elevated privileges can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands at the system level. No patch is currently available.
Android versions up to 14.0 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands (CVSS 6.8).
file import process of Comic Book Reader v1.0.95 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to overwrite critical internal files, potentially leading to arbitrary code executi (CVSS 6.5).
School Erp Pro versions up to 1.0 is affected by unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type (CVSS 7.2).
School ERP Pro 1.0 allows students to upload arbitrary PHP files, enabling remote code execution from a low-privileged student account.
CraftCMS 3 vCard Plugin 1.0.0 has an insecure deserialization vulnerability allowing unauthenticated remote code execution through crafted vCard data.
CloudMe 1.11.2 cloud sync application has a buffer overflow enabling remote code execution through the network sync protocol.
An out-of-bounds read vulnerability has been identified in the Postscript interpreter in various Lexmark devices. This vulnerability can be leveraged by an attacker to execute arbitrary code as an unprivileged user.
A type confusion vulnerability has been identified in the Postscript interpreter in various Lexmark devices. This vulnerability can be leveraged by an attacker to execute arbitrary code as an unprivileged user.
An untrusted search path vulnerability has been identified in the Embedded Solutions Framework in various Lexmark devices. This vulnerability can be leveraged by an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
Heap-based buffer overflow in the tdpserver module of TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 router firmware (through 1.3.1 Build 20241120) allows an attacker positioned on the same local or Wi-Fi segment, holding low-level credentials, to trigger a segmentation fault or potentially achieve arbitrary code execution by sending a single specially crafted network packet. The prerequisite of adjacent-network access plus authentication narrows the practical attacker population, and while a crash/denial-of-service is the reliably reachable outcome, confirmed remote code execution has not been demonstrated. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis, and EPSS is negligible at 0.01% (1st percentile), so mass exploitation is not expected, though the flaw remains relevant for attackers already inside the local network perimeter.
Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability in TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 (tmpserver modules) allows authenticated adjacent attackers to cause a segmentation fault or potentially execute arbitrary code via a specially crafted network packet containing a field whose length exceeds the maximum expected value.This issue affects Archer AX53 v1.0: through 1.3.1 Build 20241120. [CVSS 8.0 HIGH]
Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability in TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 (tmpserver modules) allows authenticated adjacent attackers to cause a segmentation fault or potentially execute arbitrary code via a specially crafted network packet whose length exceeds the maximum expected value.This issue affects Archer AX53 v1.0: through 1.3.1 Build 20241120. [CVSS 8.0 HIGH]
Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability in TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 (tmpserver modules) allows authenticated adjacent attackers to cause a segmentation fault or potentially execute arbitrary code via a specially crafted network packet containing an excessive number of fields with zero‑length values.This issue affects Archer AX53 v1.0: through 1.3.1 Build 20241120. [CVSS 8.0 HIGH]
Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability in TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 (tmpserver modules) allows authenticated adjacent attackers to cause a segmentation fault or potentially execute arbitrary code via a specially crafted network packet containing an excessive number of fields with zero‑length values.This issue affects Archer AX53 v1.0: through 1.3.1 Build 20241120. [CVSS 8.0 HIGH]
Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability in TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 (tmpserver modules) allows authenticated adjacent attackers to cause a segmentation fault or potentially execute arbitrary code. [CVSS 8.0 HIGH]
Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability in TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 (tmpserver modules) allows authenticated adjacent attackers to cause a segmentation fault or potentially execute arbitrary code via a specially crafted network packet containing a field whose length exceeds the maximum expected value.This issue affects Archer AX53 v1.0: through 1.3.1 Build 20241120. [CVSS 8.0 HIGH]
Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability in TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 (tmpserver modules) allows authenticated adjacent attackers to cause a segmentation fault or potentially execute arbitrary code via a specially crafted network packet whose length exceeds the maximum expected value.This issue affects Archer AX53 v1.0: through 1.3.1 Build 20241120. [CVSS 8.0 HIGH]
Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability in TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 (tmpserver modules) allows authenticated adjacent attackers to cause a segmentation fault or potentially execute arbitrary code via a specially crafted set of network packets containing an excessive number of host entries This issue affects Archer AX53 v1.0: through 1.3.1 Build 20241120. [CVSS 8.0 HIGH]
Boltz 2.0.0 contains an insecure deserialization vulnerability in its molecule loading functionality. The application uses Python pickle to deserialize molecule data files without validation. [CVSS 8.4 HIGH]
pdfminer.six before 20251230 contains an insecure deserialization vulnerability in the CMap loading mechanism. The library uses Python pickle to deserialize CMap cache files without validation. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
FUXA v1.2.7 allows remote code execution through the project import functionality by importing crafted project files containing malicious code.
A950Rg Firmware versions up to 4.1.2cu.5204_b20210112 is affected by classic buffer overflow (CVSS 6.5).
TOTOLINK A950RG router firmware has a buffer overflow in setUrlFilterRules that allows remote attackers to execute code through the router's management interface.
Open Eclass Platform versions up to 1.7.3 is affected by unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type (CVSS 8.8).
WCAssistantService contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code (CVSS 7.8).
Syncbreeze versions up to 12.4.18 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges (CVSS 7.8).
its service configuration contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code (CVSS 7.8).
Disk Sorter Enterprise 12.4.16 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
Fabric Operating System contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to an authenticated, remote attacker with administrative credentials to execute ar (CVSS 7.2).
Critical path traversal in Wildfire IM instant messaging server before 1.4.3 allows unauthenticated access to arbitrary files. EPSS 0.25%, patch available.
Improper Control of Dynamically-Managed Code Resources vulnerability in Crafter Studio of Crafter CMS allows authenticated developers to execute OS commands via Groovy Sandbox Bypass.
IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty 17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.1 could allow a privileged user to upload a zip archive containing path traversal sequences resulting in an overwrite of files leading to arbitrary code execution. [CVSS 7.6 HIGH]
In mlflow version 2.20.3, the temporary directory used for creating Python virtual environments is assigned insecure world-writable permissions (0o777). [CVSS 7.0 HIGH]
Arbitrary file write in H2O-3 machine learning platform version 3.46.0.1 allows remote attackers to write data to any file on the server.
Local File Inclusion in parisneo/lollms-webui /reinstall_extension endpoint allows authenticated users to include arbitrary local files. EPSS 0.26%.
The unified WEBUI application of the ONT/Beacon device contains an input handling flaw that allows authenticated users to trigger unintended system-level command execution. [CVSS 8.0 HIGH]
EMP_NSWLSV service contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code (CVSS 7.8).
TFTP Turbo 4.6.1273 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
DHCP Turbo 4.61298 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code by exploiting the service binary path. Attackers can place malicious executables in the service path to gain elevated privileges when the service starts. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
BOOTP Turbo 2.0.1214 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
SpyHunter 4 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
Iskysoft Application Framework Service 2.4.3.241 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NetBackup INET Daemon service contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code (CVSS 7.8).
BootCommerce 3.2.1 contains persistent input validation vulnerabilities that allow remote attackers to inject malicious script code through guest order checkout input fields. [CVSS 6.4 MEDIUM]
Pre-authentication RCE in AirControl 1.4.2 network management allows unauthenticated system command execution. PoC available.
Buffer overflow in Quick Player 1.3 via crafted .m3l playlist file allows arbitrary code execution. PoC available.
Buffer overflow in 10-Strike Bandwidth Monitor 3.9 bypasses SafeSEH, ASLR, and DEP protections. PoC available.
Wing FTP Server 6.3.8 contains a remote code execution vulnerability in its Lua-based web console that allows authenticated users to execute system commands. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Salt's junos execution module contained an unsafe YAML decode/load usage. A specially crafted YAML payload processed by the junos module could lead to unintended code execution under the context of the Salt process. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
Outline Service 1.3.3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- other
- Total CVEs
- 35537