DesktopCommanderMCP: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
CVE-2025-11489 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in DesktopCommanderMCP from Wonderwhy-er, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.0 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected DesktopCommanderMCP versions: 0.2.0; 0.2.1; 0.2.2, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.25% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of DesktopCommanderMCP you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wonderwhy-er | DesktopCommanderMCP | 0.2.0; 0.2.1; 0.2.2; 0.2.3; 0.2.4; 0.2.5; 0.2.6; 0.2.7; and 6 more ranges | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 1.1 | Low | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 4.5 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.0 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 3.5 | Low | CNA (vuldb.com) |
Official description
A security vulnerability has been detected in wonderwhy-er DesktopCommanderMCP up to 0.2.13. This vulnerability affects the function isPathAllowed of the file src/tools/filesystem.ts. The manipulation leads to symlink following. The attack can only be performed from a local environment. The attack's complexity is rated as high. It is stated that the exploitability is difficult. The exploit has been disclosed publicly and may be used. The vendor explains: "Our restriction features are designed as guardrails for LLMs to help them stay closer to what users want, rather than hardened security boundaries. (...) For users where security is a top priority, we continue to recommend using Desktop Commander with Docker, which provides actual isolation. (...) We'll keep this issue open for future consideration if we receive more user demand for improved restrictions." This vulnerability only affects products that are no longer supported by the maintainer.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.
More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- github.com/wonderwhy-er/DesktopCommanderMCP/issues/219Exploit, Issue Tracking
- github.com/wonderwhy-er/DesktopCommanderMCP/issues/219#issue-3343862329Exploit, Issue Tracking
Third-party and government advisories
- vuldb.com/?id.327606Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- vuldb.com/?submit.668004Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other references
- github.com/wonderwhy-er/DesktopCommanderMCP/issues/219#issuecomment-3214114903Issue Tracking
- vuldb.com/?ctiid.327606Permissions Required, VDB Entry
Other vulnerabilities in DesktopCommanderMCP
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
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