CVE-2025-11490 is an OS command injection vulnerability found in the DesktopCommanderMCP software by wonderwhy-er, affecting all versions up to 0.2.13. The vulnerability exists in the extractBaseCommand function within the src/command-manager.ts file, part of the Absolute Path Handler component. This function improperly processes command inputs, allowing an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary operating system commands remotely. The attack vector is network-based with no required privileges or user interaction, making exploitation feasible if the software is exposed. The vendor's explanation suggests the vulnerability arises when AI components generate commands without absolute paths, potentially bypassing intended restrictions. Although no known exploits are currently active in the wild, the vulnerability is publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of future exploitation. The CVSS 4.0 score of 5.3 indicates a medium severity, with partial impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability's root cause is insufficient input validation and command sanitization, which could allow attackers to execute malicious commands on the host system, potentially leading to data compromise or system disruption. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate mitigation efforts by users.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized remote code execution, which could lead to data breaches, system compromise, or disruption of critical AI-driven workflows. Organizations relying on DesktopCommanderMCP for automation or command execution in sensitive environments may face confidentiality and integrity risks if attackers exploit this flaw. The medium severity score reflects that while the impact is not catastrophic, successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain control over affected systems, potentially pivoting to other internal resources. Given the increasing integration of AI tools in European industries, especially in technology, manufacturing, and research sectors, exploitation could disrupt operations or expose sensitive intellectual property. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, particularly as public disclosure may motivate attackers to develop exploits. The vulnerability's remote attack vector and lack of required privileges increase its attractiveness to threat actors targeting exposed systems.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Monitor for updates and patches from wonderwhy-er and apply them promptly once available. 2) Restrict network exposure of DesktopCommanderMCP instances by enforcing strict firewall rules and network segmentation to limit access to trusted users and systems only. 3) Implement input validation and sanitization controls around any AI-generated commands or user inputs that interact with the extractBaseCommand function, ensuring that only safe, expected commands are executed. 4) Employ application-level sandboxing or containerization to isolate DesktopCommanderMCP processes, limiting the potential impact of command injection. 5) Conduct regular security audits and code reviews focusing on command execution paths within AI-driven automation tools. 6) Use intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous command execution patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 7) Educate developers and operators about the risks of command injection in AI command automation contexts to foster secure coding and operational practices.