Unauthenticated code execution via Python sandbox escape
Published Aug 27, 2026 · Updated Aug 27, 2026
Sandbox escape in Harvard University ToolUniverse 1.2.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute code through python_code_executor. The executor checks source against a denylist but leaves string-based and permitted-module attribute pivots that expose class hierarchies and process-launch modules. A reachable HTTP or MCP server requires no authentication, so exploitation runs commands with the server process privileges.
Summary
What happened
Sandbox escape in Harvard University ToolUniverse 1.2.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute code through python_code_executor. The executor checks source against a denylist but leaves string-based and permitted-module attribute pivots that expose class hierarchies and process-launch modules. A reachable HTTP or MCP server requires no authentication, so exploitation runs commands with the server process privileges.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-81096
- Published
- Aug 27, 2026
- Updated
- Aug 27, 2026
- Vendor
- Harvard University
- Product
- ToolUniverse
- Classifications
- T1190
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Aug 27, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Aug 27, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=0 <=1.2.6
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
No CVSS assessment is available in this record.
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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