# Argument or option injection without shell interpretation

A value-only input changes options or mode of the intended executable, even when no shell is used.

**Candidate CWE:** [CWE-88](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/88.html)

## Test hypothesis

In the local product wrapper, compare a normal data argument with a harmless documented mode switch. Capture the final argument array and show that the untrusted caller can select an operation beyond the intended input contract.

## Evidence required

Exact executable, argument vector, source entry point, expected value-only contract, and the resulting protected mode or operation. Keep the canary free of filesystem writes, extra process execution, and network access.

## Rule out false positives

A process intentionally exposing that option, inert argument text, a validation error, or only changing a tool banner does not establish a security consequence. Shell syntax interpretation belongs to CWE-78.

## Playbook and command references

- [Trace input into queries, commands, and templates](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/modules/injection-tracing.html) — Prove interpretation at a specific sink using small paired experiments instead of payload spraying.

[Find the associated command snippets](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/commands.html?q=Trace%20input%20into%20queries%2C%20commands%2C%20and%20templates)

## Referenced by these target playbooks

[Web & API](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/web-api.html) · [OSS & self-hosted](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/oss.html) · [Desktop & extensions](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/desktop.html) · [Cloud & containers](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/cloud.html) · [AI, agents & MCP](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/ai.html)

## Report checklist

- [ ] Capture the affected version, configuration, identities, and object ownership.
- [ ] Preserve a valid baseline and a negative control.
- [ ] Reproduce the forbidden data access, action, or state change on controlled fixtures.
- [ ] Explain the intended security rule and why the observed behavior violates it.
- [ ] State prerequisites, uncertainty, cleanup, and the smallest demonstrated impact.

## Conditional ATT&CK mapping

No direct ATT&CK mapping selected. Record the weakness and demonstrated impact without forcing an adversary-behavior classification. See the [mapping guide](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/attack.html).

## Primary references

- [CWE-88 argument injection](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/88.html)

[Back to the complete vulnerability catalog](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/vulnerabilities.html)