CVE-2026-6859

Description

A flaw was found in InstructLab. The linux_train.py script hardcodes trust_remote_code=True when loading models from HuggingFace. This allows a remote attacker to achieve arbitrary Python code execution by convincing a user to run ilab train/download/generate with a specially crafted malicious model from the HuggingFace Hub. This vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise.

Mitigation

To mitigate this issue, only use models from trusted sources when performing `instructlab` operations. Review the origin and integrity of any HuggingFace model before using it with `ilab train/download/generate`. Consider running `instructlab` commands within a sandboxed or isolated environment to limit the potential impact of executing untrusted code.

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 HatNVDcve.org
Base Score8.88.88.8
Attack VectorNetworkNetworkNetwork
Attack ComplexityLowLowLow
Privileges RequiredNoneNoneNone
User InteractionRequiredRequiredRequired
ScopeUnchangedUnchangedUnchanged
ConfidentialityHighHighHigh
Integrity ImpactHighHighHigh
Availability ImpactHighHighHigh

Vector

Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Understanding the Weakness (CWE)

Confidentiality,Integrity,Availability

Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands

An attacker could insert malicious functionality into the program by causing the program to download code that the attacker has placed into the untrusted control sphere, such as a malicious web site. This could enable the injection of malware, information exposure by granting excessive privileges or permissions to the untrusted functionality, DOM-based XSS vulnerabilities, stealing user's cookies, open redirect to malware (CWE-601), etc.

Acknowledgements

Red Hat would like to thank Martin Brodeur (independent security researcher) for reporting this issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to get errata notifications? Sign up here.