CVE-2026-31236
Description
A flaw was found in the llm CLI tool. An attacker can exploit a code injection vulnerability by crafting a malicious command with arbitrary Python code in the --functions argument. If a victim is tricked into running this command, it leads to arbitrary code execution on their system, potentially granting the attacker full control.
Statement
This flaw is rated as Important (CVSS 7.3) because the llm tool is a local command-line application, not a network-facing service (AV:L), and exploitation requires a local user with the tool installed (PR:L) to be socially engineered into executing a specially crafted command containing malicious Python code in the --functions argument (UI:R). Red Hat OpenShift AI (RHOAI) is not affected as the llm CLI tool is not present in RHOAI container images. Fedora ships the affected python-llm package. To reduce risk, users should run the llm tool inside a sandbox such as a container or VM. This is mainly informative.
Mitigation
The `--functions` argument in the llm CLI tool executes arbitrary Python code by design, similar to `python -c`. There is no built-in sandboxing or restriction on the code that can be run. To reduce the risk of exploitation, run the llm process inside a sandbox such as a container or a VM.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 7.3 | N/A | 7.3 |
| Attack Vector | Local | N/A | Local |
| Attack Complexity | Low | N/A | Low |
| Privileges Required | Low | N/A | Low |
| User Interaction | Required | N/A | Required |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | High | N/A | High |
| Integrity Impact | High | N/A | High |
| Availability Impact | High | N/A | High |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Access Control
Technical Impact: Bypass Protection Mechanism
In some cases, injectable code controls authentication; this may lead to a remote vulnerability.
Access Control
Technical Impact: Gain Privileges or Assume Identity
Injected code can access resources that the attacker is directly prevented from accessing.
Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
When a product allows a user's input to contain code syntax, it might be possible for an attacker to craft the code in such a way that it will alter the intended control flow of the product. As a result, code injection can often result in the execution of arbitrary code. Code injection attacks can also lead to loss of data integrity in nearly all cases, since the control-plane data injected is always incidental to data recall or writing.
Non-Repudiation
Technical Impact: Hide Activities
Often the actions performed by injected control code are unlogged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure what something means? Check out our Security Glossary.
Want to get errata notifications? Sign up here.
