ZDI-26-651: (Pwn2Own) OpenAI Codex External Control of System or Configuration Setting Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of OpenAI Codex. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must open a malicious folder. The specific flaw exists within the handling of configuration files. The issue results from the lack of proper sanitization of configuration settings. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current user.
Other sources
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of OpenAI Codex. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must open a malicious folder. The ZDI has assigned a CVSS rating of 7.8. The following CVEs are assigned: CVE-2026-19593.
— ZDI
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What must an attacker do to exploit this issue?
The attacker must persuade the target to open a malicious folder. Exploitation then allows the remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected OpenAI Codex installation.
Is user interaction required?
Yes. The target must open a malicious folder for the vulnerability to be exploited.