CVE-2026-10176 Overview
CVE-2026-10176 is a SQL injection vulnerability identified in Aider-AI Aider version 0.86.3, an AI-assisted coding assistant. The flaw resides in unspecified functionality within the Code Generation Workflow component. Attackers can manipulate input to inject SQL statements remotely. The weakness is categorized under [CWE-74] for improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component (Injection).
A public exploit is referenced in the advisory, and the maintainers were notified through a GitHub issue but have not responded at the time of disclosure.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers with low privileges can inject SQL statements through the Code Generation Workflow, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of stored data.
Affected Products
- Aider-AI Aider 0.86.3
- Code Generation Workflow component
- Deployments exposing Aider functionality to untrusted input
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-05-31 - CVE-2026-10176 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-01 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-10176
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability affects the Code Generation Workflow within Aider 0.86.3. According to the advisory, manipulation of an unspecified input parameter results in SQL injection. The attacker requires network access and low privileges, with no user interaction needed to trigger the flaw.
Because Aider operates as an AI-assisted coding tool that can interact with structured data sources during code generation, injected SQL statements may be passed to a backend database engine without proper neutralization. The advisory indicates the exploit code has been made public, increasing the likelihood of opportunistic abuse against exposed instances.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements within input handled by the Code Generation Workflow, classified as [CWE-74]. User-controlled data is concatenated or interpolated into a SQL query context without parameterization or sanitization. As a result, attacker-supplied syntax is interpreted as part of the query structure rather than as data.
Attack Vector
The attack is executed over the network against an instance running Aider 0.86.3. An authenticated user with low privileges submits crafted input that traverses into the Code Generation Workflow logic. The injected payload reaches the database layer, allowing the attacker to read, modify, or delete records depending on the underlying SQL engine and account permissions.
No verified proof-of-concept code is included in the NVD record. Technical details are referenced through the GitHub Issue #5077 and VulDB CVE-2026-10176 entries.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-10176
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected SQL syntax characters such as ', --, ;, UNION, or OR 1=1 appearing in Aider request logs or audit trails.
- Database error messages or stack traces emitted from Aider processes referencing malformed queries.
- Anomalous outbound database queries originating from the Aider service account targeting tables outside normal workflow scope.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect application and database logs for query patterns inconsistent with the Code Generation Workflow's normal operation.
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) ruleset tuned to detect SQL injection signatures targeting the Aider HTTP interface.
- Correlate authentication events for low-privilege accounts with subsequent database read or write spikes.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose query logging on the database backend used by Aider deployments to capture injected payloads for forensic review.
- Alert on Aider process exit codes or exceptions tied to SQL parsing errors, which often indicate failed injection attempts.
- Monitor the Aider GitHub repository for upstream patches or maintainer acknowledgement.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-10176
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict network exposure of Aider 0.86.3 instances to trusted users until a vendor fix is released.
- Enforce least-privilege database credentials for the Aider service account to limit the impact of injected queries.
- Audit existing deployments for evidence of exploitation using the indicators listed above.
Patch Information
No official patch is available at the time of publication. The maintainers were informed through GitHub Issue #5077 but have not responded according to the advisory. Track the Aider-AI repository and the VulDB entry for remediation updates.
Workarounds
- Place Aider behind an authenticated reverse proxy and apply input filtering for SQL metacharacters at the proxy layer.
- Run Aider with a database role that has read-only access where feasible to prevent destructive injection outcomes.
- Disable or sandbox the Code Generation Workflow features that interact with database backends until a patched release is available.
# Example: restrict Aider exposure with iptables and run under a constrained DB role
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -s 10.0.0.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -j DROP
# Create a least-privilege Postgres role for the Aider service
psql -c "CREATE ROLE aider_svc LOGIN PASSWORD 'REPLACE_ME';"
psql -c "GRANT SELECT ON SCHEMA app TO aider_svc;"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
