xcode-mcp-server: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2026-2178 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in xcode-mcp-server from R-huijts, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected xcode-mcp-server versions: f3419f00117aa9949e326f78cc940166c88f18cb. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 3.74% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 9.96% of all scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of xcode-mcp-server you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-huijts | xcode-mcp-server | f3419f00117aa9949e326f78cc940166c88f18cb | 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
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- 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:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 2.1 | Low | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 6.3 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 6.5 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
Official description
A vulnerability was found in r-huijts xcode-mcp-server up to f3419f00117aa9949e326f78cc940166c88f18cb. This affects the function registerXcodeTools of the file src/tools/xcode/index.ts of the component run_lldb. The manipulation of the argument args results in command injection. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been made public and could be used. This product takes the approach of rolling releases to provide continious delivery. Therefore, version details for affected and updated releases are not available. The patch is identified as 11f8d6bacadd153beee649f92a78a9dad761f56f. Applying a patch is advised to resolve this issue.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
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
Patches and release notes
Third-party and government advisories
- vuldb.com/?id.344881Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- vuldb.com/?submit.749569Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
Other references
- github.com/r-huijts/xcode-mcp-server/Product
- vuldb.com/?ctiid.344881Permissions Required, VDB Entry
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
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