CVE-2026-45311 CodeWhale: run_tests Tool Enables RCE via Malicious Repository Without Approval
Attackers can achieve remote code execution by tricking the CodeWhale agent into running malicious tests from a repository without user approval.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-45311?
CVE-2026-45311 is a critical code injection vulnerability in Hmbown CodeWhale, published on 28 May 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
CodeWhale is a DeepSeek + MiMo coding agent in terminal. From 0.3.0 to 0.8.23, the run_tests tool executes cargo test in the workspace with ApprovalRequirement::Auto, meaning it runs without any user approval prompt. cargo test compiles and executes arbitrary code: test binaries, build.rs build scripts, and proc macros. While auto-approving test execution is a deliberate design choice, it creates an inconsistency in the security boundary. However, in a malicious repository, test code can execute arbitrary shell commands, exfiltrate credentials, or establish persistence with zero approval. The attack is amplified by AGENTS.md (auto-loaded into the system prompt), which can instruct the model to run tests proactively at session start. This vulnerability is fixed in 0.8.23.
Weakness: CWE-94
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-45311?
6 open source packages ship an affected version, including deepseek-tui and deepseek-tui-cli.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
deepseek-tui crates.io | From 0.3.0 | 0.8.23 |
deepseek-tui crates.io | From 0.3.0 | 0.8.23 |
deepseek-tui npm | From 0.3.0 | 0.8.23 |
deepseek-tui npm | From 0.3.0 | 0.8.23 |
deepseek-tui-cli crates.io | From 0.3.0 | 0.8.23 |
deepseek-tui-cli crates.io | From 0.3.0 | 0.8.23 |
How do I fix CVE-2026-45311?
Upgrade deepseek-tui to 0.8.23 or later.
Upgrade, and never evaluate templates, expressions or code built from user input. More about Code injection.
Is CVE-2026-45311 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2026-45311 exists.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-wx44-2q6h-j6p8.