CVE-2026-9764: IBM Bob code injection in MCP server execution

CVE-2026-9764 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-11-08

IBM Bob is a development shell tool that runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS. A remote attacker can execute arbitrary code on a system when a user opens an untrusted repository, because Bob automatically executes MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers defined in the repository without proper validation. An attacker who crafts a malicious repository could gain complete control over the developer's machine.

Vendors: IBM.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-9764 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-9764 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-9764?
High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 8 November 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
IBM Bob Shell 1.0.4 to 2.0.1.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-9764?
Yes: fixed in IBM Bob Shell 2.0.2 or later. Until then: Only open repositories from trusted sources and review repository contents and configuration before use. Avoid opening repositories obtained from unknown or untrusted parties. These mitigations reduce exposure but do not fully address the vulnerability; upgrading is strongly recommended. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.
How is CVE-2026-9764 attacked?
It is attacked over the network.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-9764?
Check whether you run IBM Bob Shell at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

How to fix

  • Fixed in: IBM Bob Shell 2.0.2 or later

Only open repositories from trusted sources and review repository contents and configuration before use. Avoid opening repositories obtained from unknown or untrusted parties. These mitigations reduce exposure but do not fully address the vulnerability; upgrading is strongly recommended.

Technical details

The vulnerability is a code injection flaw (CWE-94) in IBM Bob's handling of workspace-defined MCP server configurations. When a repository is opened in Bob Shell, MCP servers defined within that repository are automatically executed without explicit user consent or validation. An attacker can exploit this by crafting a malicious repository with arbitrary MCP server configurations that execute attacker-controlled code with the privileges of the Bob Shell user. A fix is available in version 2.0.2.

Affected products

  • IBM Bob Shell 1.0.4 to 2.0.1

Timeline

  • 2026-10-07: disclosed

References

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