CVE-2026-7416 Overview
A critical OS command injection vulnerability has been identified in PolarVista xcode-mcp-server version 1.0.0. The vulnerability exists within the build_project and run_tests functions of the src/index.ts file, which is part of the MCP (Model Context Protocol) Interface component. Attackers can exploit this flaw by manipulating request arguments, allowing them to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the target system remotely.
This vulnerability is particularly concerning because the exploit has been publicly disclosed and the vendor has not responded to the issue report despite being notified early in the disclosure process.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can achieve arbitrary OS command execution through the MCP Interface by injecting malicious commands via manipulated request arguments, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Affected Products
- PolarVista xcode-mcp-server 1.0.0
- Systems running the vulnerable MCP Interface component
- Development environments utilizing the affected Xcode MCP server
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-04-29 - CVE-2026-7416 published to NVD
- 2026-04-29 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-7416
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability falls under CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command), commonly known as Command Injection. The flaw resides in the MCP Interface component of the xcode-mcp-server, specifically within the build_project and run_tests functions located in src/index.ts.
The vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary operating system commands by crafting malicious input within request arguments. When the affected functions process user-supplied data without proper sanitization, the malicious payload is passed directly to system command execution routines, enabling attackers to run commands with the privileges of the application.
The network-accessible nature of this vulnerability means it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, significantly increasing its risk profile for exposed deployments.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation and sanitization in the build_project and run_tests functions. User-controlled data from incoming requests is passed directly to command execution functions without properly escaping or validating special characters that have meaning in shell contexts.
When request arguments containing shell metacharacters (such as ;, |, &, $(), or backticks) are processed, these characters are interpreted by the underlying shell, allowing attackers to break out of the intended command context and execute arbitrary commands.
Attack Vector
The attack can be launched remotely over the network through the MCP Interface. An attacker sends a specially crafted request to the vulnerable endpoint, embedding malicious OS commands within the request arguments. When the build_project or run_tests functions process this request, the injected commands are executed on the server.
The vulnerability mechanism involves improper handling of request arguments in the MCP Interface component. When user-supplied input is passed to shell command execution without proper sanitization, attackers can inject command separators and additional commands. For example, injecting shell metacharacters like semicolons or pipe operators can allow an attacker to chain arbitrary commands that execute with the same privileges as the server process.
For detailed technical information about the exploitation technique, refer to the GitHub Issue Report and the VulDB Vulnerability Details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-7416
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual process spawning from the xcode-mcp-server process, particularly shell commands or system utilities
- Network requests to the MCP Interface containing shell metacharacters (;, |, &, $(, backticks) in request parameters
- Unexpected outbound network connections from the server hosting xcode-mcp-server
- Anomalous file system modifications or creation of suspicious files in server directories
Detection Strategies
- Implement application-layer inspection to identify command injection patterns in requests to the MCP Interface
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious process chains originating from the xcode-mcp-server process
- Configure web application firewalls (WAF) with rules to detect and block common command injection payloads
- Enable detailed logging for the xcode-mcp-server application and monitor for malformed or suspicious request patterns
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor process execution logs for unexpected child processes spawned by the xcode-mcp-server application
- Implement network traffic analysis to detect unusual data exfiltration patterns or reverse shell connections
- Set up alerts for failed or anomalous authentication attempts and unusual API access patterns
- Review server logs regularly for evidence of command injection attempts or successful exploitation
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-7416
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict network access to the xcode-mcp-server MCP Interface to trusted sources only using firewall rules
- Consider disabling the affected build_project and run_tests functionality until a patch is available
- Implement input validation at the network perimeter using a web application firewall (WAF)
- Monitor systems running the vulnerable software for signs of compromise
- Consider migrating to an alternative MCP server solution if the vendor remains unresponsive
Patch Information
As of the last update, the vendor (PolarVista) has not responded to the vulnerability report and no official patch has been released. Users should monitor the GitHub Repository and the GitHub Issue Discussion for updates on remediation efforts.
Workarounds
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate systems running xcode-mcp-server from untrusted networks
- Deploy a reverse proxy with input sanitization rules to filter malicious characters before they reach the application
- Use application-level controls to whitelist allowed characters in request arguments
- Run the xcode-mcp-server with minimal system privileges to limit the impact of successful exploitation
# Example: Restrict network access to xcode-mcp-server using iptables
# Allow connections only from trusted IP ranges
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 3000 -s 10.0.0.0/8 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 3000 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 3000 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
