Remote Code Execution (RCE)
Remote Code Execution (RCE) is the most severe class of security vulnerability. It allows an attacker to execute any code they choose on the target system — over the network, without logging in, without physical access. A successful RCE attack gives the attacker complete control of the affected process and potentially the entire system.
Why RCE is the worst outcome
With RCE, an attacker can do anything the compromised process can do: read files, write files, make network connections, install persistence mechanisms, move laterally to other systems. It's game over for the affected system.
In the context of web servers, RCE typically means full server compromise — access to database credentials in environment variables, private keys, customer data, and the ability to serve malicious content to your users.
How RCE happens in dependencies
The most common RCE patterns in open source dependencies:
- Unsafe deserialization — Log4Shell, SnakeYAML, Jackson, PHP's unserialize()
- Template injection — user input reaches a template engine that evaluates code
- Command injection — user input reaches a shell command
- SSRF to internal service — attacker reaches internal services to pivot to RCE
RCE CVEs on CISA KEV
Every CRITICAL CVE in PackageFix's database that allows RCE appears on or has been considered for CISA KEV. Log4Shell (CVSS 10.0), Spring4Shell (9.8), Text4Shell (9.8), SnakeYAML (9.8), PHPMailer 2016 (9.8) — all RCE, all exploited in the wild.
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