CVE-2026-71963: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in NousResearch hermes-agent
Description
Hermes Agent 0.18.2 through 0.21.0, fixed in commit f6234d0, contains a remote code execution vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands by supplying a malicious repository with a crafted .git/config that sets core.fsmonitor to an attacker-controlled command. When a user opens the malicious repository and sends any message, the agent triggers a git status index refresh which executes the injected command in the user's process context, exposing the full environment including configured provider API keys.
CVSS v4.0
Score 8.6high
Affected software
NousResearch
hermes-agent
pkg:github/hermes-agentRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in hermes-agent (versions 0.18.2 through 0.21.0) arises from improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, specifically through the core.fsmonitor setting in a .git/config file. This allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands by supplying a malicious repository. Execution occurs when the agent refreshes the git status index after a user action, running the injected command in the user's process context and exposing environment variables including provider API keys. The issue is resolved in a commit identified as f6234d0, but no formal patch release details are provided.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation results in remote code execution within the user's context, potentially exposing sensitive environment variables such as configured provider API keys. This can lead to unauthorized access, data leakage, and further compromise of the affected system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. The vulnerability is fixed in commit f6234d0, so users should update to a version including this fix once available. Until then, avoid opening untrusted repositories that could contain malicious .git/config files.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- VulnCheck
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-08T16:43:04.177Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a9990d2acd9273b491c1d61
Added to database: 09/03/2026, 15:22:58 UTC
Last enriched: 09/07/2026, 13:03:56 UTC
Last updated: 10/19/2026, 06:48:19 UTC
Views: 118
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