Description
CodeWhale versions before 0.8.64 fail to properly validate the allow_shell configuration parameter from project config files, allowing attackers to enable arbitrary shell command execution by committing a malicious .codewhale/config.toml file to a repository. When a user clones and opens the repository in CodeWhale, the AI model gains access to exec_shell and task_shell tools, enabling execution of arbitrary shell commands on the victim's machine without explicit user consent.
Metrics
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HWeakness enumeration
Affected software
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Hmbown | CodeWhale | >= 0.8.6, < 0.8.41 |
| Hmbown | CodeWhale | >= 0.8.6, < 0.8.41 |
| Hmbown | CodeWhale | >= 0.8.41, < 0.8.64 |
| Hmbown | CodeWhale | >= 0.8.41, < 0.8.64 |
References
- https://github.com/Hmbown/CodeWhale/commit/43563356b98c6b993085554da82e77370160a31c
- https://github.com/Hmbown/CodeWhale/security/advisories/GHSA-gx45-xrj5-g6c4
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/codewhale-before-remote-code-execution-via-allow-shell
- https://github.com/Hmbown/CodeWhale/security/advisories/GHSA-gx45-xrj5-g6c4
Timeline
- Published
- Aug 18, 2026
- Last modified
- Oct 22, 2026
- NVD status
- Deferred