CVE-2026-35386 Command injection in OpenSSH

Low 3.6 Published 2 Apr 2026 Updated 3 Apr 2026

Attackers can execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in usernames when specific non-default SSH configurations are enabled.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: Available

What is CVE-2026-35386?

CVE-2026-35386 is a low-severity command injection vulnerability in OpenSSH, published on 2 Apr 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

In OpenSSH before 10.3, command execution can occur via shell metacharacters in a username within a command line. This requires a scenario where the username on the command line is untrusted, and also requires a non-default configurations of % in ssh_config.

Weakness: CWE-696

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-35386?

It affects 1 product.

Products include OpenSSH.

How do I fix CVE-2026-35386?

Upgrade to a fixed version.

Upgrade, and pass arguments to programs as a list instead of through a shell. More about Command injection.

Is CVE-2026-35386 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-35386 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All OpenSSH vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as AZL-81791, BELL-CVE-2026-35386, CLSA-2026-1777585781, CLSA-2026-1777586051, CLSA-2026-1777627629, CLSA-2026-1778233384 and 6 more.