Enhancing MCP Server Security with execFile

This article, published September 5, 2025, addresses a significant security risk in Node.js-based Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers: command injection via improper use of the exec function. The author demonstrates how a malicious actor could manipulate the port parameter to inject arbitrary shell commands into tools like “which-app-on-port.” As a remedy, the article advocates replacing exec with execFile. By passing the command and its arguments separately, execFile avoids shell interpretation and effectively neutralizes injection threats. The tutorial guides readers through updating the tool implementation, testing both safe and malicious inputs, and verifying that only intended commands are executed. The author concludes by urging developers to adopt best practices: conduct regular security audits, diligently validate and sanitize inputs, and keep dependencies current to prevent known vulnerabilities 

https://www.nodejs-security.com/blog/enhancing-mcp-server-security-a-guide-to-using-execfile/

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