External risk intelligence

Stata-mcp Command Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2026-31040

stata-mcp is a tool for processing Stata do-files. While network-accessible, it is typically used as a backend utility or developer/research tool rather than an internet-facing edge service. Public exposure is possible depending on how the application is integrated into a web-based environment, but it is not inherently designed as a public-facing gateway or service.

Code Injection

Statamcp Stata Mcp

before 1.13.0

Halo Surface Signal: 3 out of 5 — possibly public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in stata-mcp could allow attackers to execute commands by providing malicious do-file content. This could potentially lead to unauthorized actions on affected systems. The main concern is confirming relevance and exposure of this tool within your environment.

Malicious code can run through user-provided files.
High-severity flaw impacts command execution.
Verify if this tool is used in your operations.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could leverage this vulnerability by tricking a user into processing a specially crafted Stata do-file. This could occur if the application, which handles Stata do-files, does not adequately validate the content of these files before execution. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to run arbitrary commands on the affected system.

Network access required.
Malicious do-file processing.
Arbitrary command execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary commands by submitting malicious Stata do-file content when the application does not perform sufficient validation. This could affect the integrity and availability of the system and any data it processes.

System commands and data integrity.
Unvalidated do-file content submission.
Unauthorized command execution.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in stata-mcp impacts environments where it processes user-supplied Stata do-files. The first practical step is for application owners and platform teams to identify all instances of the affected technology. Confirming business criticality and exposure, then engaging with the accountable owner will guide the remediation approach.

Application owners should address this.
Verify instances and business criticality.
Plan remediation based on risk exposure.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is stata-mcp?

stata-mcp is a software tool used to process Stata do-files, which are scripts containing sequences of commands for the Stata statistical software. It serves as a backend utility or a specialized developer tool for research environments, automating the execution of data analysis tasks rather than functioning as a public-facing web gateway.

What is the vulnerability in CVE-2026-31040?

This CVE involves a vulnerability classified as CWE-94, or Improper Control of Generation of Code. In plain terms, the software fails to properly check the content of uploaded Stata do-files before processing them. Because the application blindly accepts this input, an attacker can craft a malicious do-file that causes the system to execute unauthorized commands.

How does an attacker trigger this flaw?

The vulnerability is triggered when the software processes a specially crafted do-file containing malicious commands. Simply having the software installed is not enough; the attacker must be able to submit or trick a user into processing the malformed file. If the system does not accept or execute user-provided do-files, this specific attack path is not applicable.

Do I need to worry about this vulnerability?

You should investigate your systems if they run stata-mcp versions prior to 1.13.0. According to Halo Surface Signal, while the software is network-accessible, it is not typically an internet-facing service. Assess if your specific implementation integrates this tool into a web-based environment where external users might interact with it, as that creates a higher risk profile than internal, isolated usage.

How do I respond to this threat?

The most effective first step is to perform an inventory of your environment to identify all instances of stata-mcp. Once located, confirm how each instance is utilized and whether it processes external input. Engage with the technical owners of these systems to verify the version in use and prioritize updating to version 1.13.0 or later to patch the command execution weakness.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.