Critical Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in Cockpit Package
Summary
ALSA-2026:7384: Critical: cockpit: Unauthenticated remote code execution due to SSH command-line argument injection. Affects cockpit versions < 344-2.el9_7. Fixed in 344-2.el9_7. How to fix ↓
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Background
Cockpit is a web-based interface designed for administering GNU/Linux servers. It provides functionalities such as network configuration, log inspection, diagnostic reports, SELinux troubleshooting, and interactive command-line sessions, making server management more accessible and efficient for users. However, a critical vulnerability has been identified that allows unauthenticated remote code execution through SSH command-line argument injection.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from improper handling of hostnames in command-line interfaces within the Cockpit package. This flaw allows an attacker to inject malicious SSH commands, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over the server. The impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the system, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code without authentication.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
344-2.el9_7
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo dnf update cockpitTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, consider restricting access to the Cockpit web interface by implementing firewall rules or using VPNs to limit exposure to trusted networks until the package is updated.
Conclusion
The identified vulnerability in the Cockpit package poses a critical risk of unauthenticated remote code execution. It is crucial for users to update to the patched version to mitigate this risk. Implementing temporary workarounds can help secure systems until the update is applied.
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FAQ
Cockpit is a web-based interface for managing GNU/Linux servers, providing various administrative tools and functionalities.
This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary SSH commands on the server without authentication, leading to potential unauthorized access.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider implementing firewall rules or using VPNs to restrict access to the Cockpit interface as a temporary workaround.
For more details, refer to the CVE page associated with this vulnerability, CVE-2026-4631.
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