Coolify before 4.2.0 fails to properly escape environment variable key names in Docker commands executed over SSH on managed servers. Authenticated at...
Description
Coolify before 4.2.0 fails to properly escape environment variable key names in Docker commands executed over SSH on managed servers. Authenticated attackers can inject shell metacharacters into environment variable keys to execute arbitrary commands on the server host outside containers.
AI Analyst Comment
Remediation
Apply vendor security updates immediately. Monitor for exploitation attempts and review access logs.
Description Summary:
Coolify before 4.2.0 fails to sanitize environment variable keys in Docker commands, allowing authenticated users to inject shell metacharacters and execute arbitrary commands on the host server.
Executive Summary:
A critical command injection vulnerability in Coolify allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on the underlying host server by manipulating environment variable keys.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-ID: CVE-2026-84694
Affected Software: Coolify Coolify
Affected Versions: 0 up to (excluding) 4.2.0
Vulnerability: This is an OS command injection vulnerability (CWE-78) occurring because the application fails to properly escape environment variable key names before passing them to Docker commands executed over SSH. An authenticated attacker can inject shell metacharacters into these keys to escape the intended context and execute commands on the host operating system.
Business Impact
Successful exploitation grants an attacker full control over the host server running the Coolify instance, which may lead to total system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within the network. Given the CVSS score of 8.8, this vulnerability represents a high risk to organizational security and infrastructure integrity. The ability to execute commands outside of containers effectively bypasses the containerization security boundary, rendering the host environment vulnerable.
Remediation Plan
Immediate Action: Update the Coolify installation to version 4.2.0 or later immediately to apply the necessary input validation fixes.
Proactive Monitoring: Review server access logs and Docker command execution logs for any anomalous shell command patterns or unexpected environment variable configurations.
Compensating Controls: Restrict access to the Coolify management interface to authorized personnel only via network-level controls, and ensure the service is running with the least privilege necessary on the host.
Exploitation Status
Public Exploit Available: Unknown
Analyst Notes: As of September 2, 2026, there is no public information indicating active exploitation or a public proof-of-concept for this vulnerability. The flaw is inherently dangerous due to the direct path from a controlled input field to host-level command execution.
Analyst Recommendation
The severity of this vulnerability, combined with its ability to facilitate remote code execution on the host, necessitates immediate attention. Administrators must prioritize updating to version 4.2.0 to eliminate the injection vector. Failure to patch this vulnerability leaves the host server exposed to full system takeover by any authenticated user.