CVE-2026-7316 Overview
A command injection vulnerability has been identified in eiliyaabedini aider-mcp, specifically affecting the code_with_ai component within the aider_mcp.py file. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands through manipulation of the working_dir and editable_files arguments. This security flaw exists in versions up to commit 667b914301aada695aab0e46d1fb3a7d5e32c8af.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can achieve command injection through network-accessible vectors without authentication, potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality through the manipulated input parameters.
Affected Products
- eiliyaabedini aider-mcp (up to commit 667b914301aada695aab0e46d1fb3a7d5e32c8af)
- aider-mcp code_with_ai component
- Systems running aider_mcp.py with exposed network interfaces
Discovery Timeline
- April 28, 2026 - CVE-2026-7316 published to NVD
- April 29, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-7316
Vulnerability Analysis
This command injection vulnerability (CWE-74) resides in the aider_mcp.py file within the code_with_ai component of the aider-mcp project. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in command construction. When user-controlled input is passed to the working_dir and editable_files parameters, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate this input before incorporating it into system commands.
The exploit has been publicly disclosed and may be actively used in attacks. The aider-mcp project follows a rolling release model, meaning specific version numbers are not assigned—instead, commit hashes identify the vulnerable state. The project maintainers were notified through an issue report but have not yet responded to the disclosure.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input validation in the code_with_ai component. The working_dir and editable_files arguments are processed without adequate sanitization, allowing injection of shell metacharacters or command sequences. This represents a classic CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component) vulnerability where untrusted data is concatenated into command strings without escaping.
Attack Vector
The attack can be initiated remotely over the network without requiring authentication. An attacker crafts malicious input containing shell command sequences within the working_dir or editable_files parameters. When processed by the vulnerable aider_mcp.py component, these injected commands execute with the privileges of the application process.
The vulnerability mechanism involves unsanitized user input being passed to command execution functions. Attackers can inject command separators (such as ;, &&, ||, or backticks) followed by arbitrary commands. For detailed technical information, refer to the GitHub Issue Discussion and VulDB entry.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-7316
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual process spawning from the aider-mcp application context
- Unexpected command sequences in application logs containing shell metacharacters in working_dir or editable_files parameters
- Network connections to the aider-mcp service followed by suspicious system command execution
- File system modifications in directories outside the expected application scope
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process creation events for child processes spawned by the aider-mcp Python process
- Implement log analysis for suspicious patterns in input parameters including semicolons, pipes, backticks, and command substitution syntax
- Deploy endpoint detection rules targeting command injection patterns in Python application contexts
- Analyze network traffic for malformed requests targeting the code_with_ai endpoint
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for the aider-mcp application to capture all input parameters
- Configure SIEM alerts for command injection pattern signatures in application logs
- Monitor system call activity from the aider-mcp process for unexpected execve or shell invocations
- Track file integrity in the application directory and common target locations for post-exploitation activity
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-7316
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict network access to the aider-mcp service using firewall rules or network segmentation
- Review and audit any instances of aider-mcp deployed in production environments
- Implement input validation at the network perimeter to block common injection patterns
- Consider temporarily disabling the code_with_ai functionality until a patch is available
Patch Information
As of the last NVD update on April 29, 2026, no official patch has been released. The project maintainers have been informed through GitHub Issue #1 but have not yet responded. Users should monitor the aider-mcp repository for updates and commits addressing this vulnerability. The rolling release model means any fix will be identified by a new commit hash rather than a version number.
Workarounds
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with rules to filter command injection patterns in the working_dir and editable_files parameters
- Run the aider-mcp service in a sandboxed or containerized environment with minimal privileges
- Implement application-level input validation by modifying aider_mcp.py to sanitize or whitelist allowed characters in affected parameters
- Restrict the service to localhost-only access if remote functionality is not required
# Example: Restrict network access using iptables
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport <aider-mcp-port> -s 127.0.0.1 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport <aider-mcp-port> -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
