CVE-2026-110643: transcribe2texts 1.0.6 OS Command Injection via Audio Paths

A security flaw in the transcribe2texts library allows attackers to run arbitrary system commands on servers hosting the software. The National Vulnerability Database rates this issue as critical with a CVSS score of 9.3.

The risk

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2026-110643, stems from improper handling of user input within the library. According to the NVD record, the transcribeAudio() function passes an audioPath value directly to child_process.exec() without proper escaping. This design choice creates a direct path for OS command injection.

Attackers can exploit this by supplying crafted values that include shell metacharacters. The source material specifies that injecting dollar-parenthesis sequences, backtick substitutions, or closing quotes allows command execution. These inputs are not sanitized before reaching the underlying operating system shell.

Who is exposed

Developers using transcribe2texts versions up to 1.0.6 are exposed to this risk. The library is maintained by kky-ykk. Any application that accepts external input for audio file paths and processes them through this library is potentially vulnerable.

The impact depends on the privileges of the Node.js process running the application. According to the NVD description, injected commands execute with Node.js process privileges. This means an attacker could access files or resources available to that process.

Cost and compliance

The source material does not provide information regarding financial costs or specific compliance implications. No data is available on the number of affected installations or confirmed exploitation in the wild. The NVD record focuses solely on the technical details of the vulnerability and its severity rating.

What should you do?

Review your dependency tree to identify if your project includes transcribe2texts versions 1.0.6 or earlier. If present, assess whether external users can influence the audioPath parameter passed to transcribeAudio(). Monitor vendor channels for updated versions that address this injection flaw.

The background in plain language

OS command injection occurs when an application passes untrusted data to a system shell. The shell interprets special characters as commands rather than text. Teams usually validate and sanitize all inputs before they reach system functions. Check whether your applications escape special characters in file paths. Ensure that user-supplied data cannot alter the intended command structure. This prevents attackers from injecting their own instructions.

What to do and how to stay safe: transcribe2texts

• Audit your codebase for usage of transcribe2texts versions 1.0.6 or lower.
• Implement strict input validation for any parameters passed to audio processing functions.
• Monitor for vendor releases that provide a patched version of the library.
• Review server logs for unusual command execution patterns during the exposure window.

Step-by-step guide: Zero-Day Vulnerabilities Meaning: How Unpatched Flaws Bypass Your Defenses

General security guidance from the Vector Tribune newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

What is the severity of CVE-2026-110643?

The National Vulnerability Database rates this vulnerability as critical with a CVSS score of 9.3.

Which versions of transcribe2texts are affected?

All versions of transcribe2texts up to and including 1.0.6 contain this vulnerability.

How do attackers exploit this flaw?

Attackers supply crafted audioPath values containing shell metacharacters to the transcribeAudio() function.