Remote Code Execution

Remote Code Execution (RCE) is a critical class of security vulnerability that allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands or code on a target machine or server from a remote location. It does not require physical access to the device and is one of the most severe vulnerability types, often receiving the highest CVSS scores.

RCE can result from a wide range of underlying weaknesses including buffer overflows, insecure deserialization, injection flaws, and unpatched software. Once achieved, an attacker can install malware, exfiltrate data, move laterally within a network, or establish persistent access.

In CI/CD and GitHub Actions contexts, RCE is often the end goal of injection attacks—such as expression injection or pwn request techniques—where an attacker plants commands that execute inside a privileged build runner.