In plain language
What this advisory means
A security vulnerability in the open-source awslabs.dynamodb-mcp-server can let unauthorized actors run harmful code on the computer that builds your application. This happens through specially crafted names in data files that the server uses when generating infrastructure code. Users should upgrade to version 2.1.6 or newer and avoid using untrusted data models.
Technical explanation
How the issue affects the environment
The vulnerability CVE-2026-85654 arises from improper neutralization of template engine special elements in the CDK generator component of awslabs.dynamodb-mcp-server. When a crafted data model file contains malicious table, index, or attribute names, a context-dependent attacker can inject and execute arbitrary code on the host machine deploying the generated AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK) application. This stems from insufficient sanitization of user-controlled inputs within the template engine processing workflow, leading to code injection risks.
Operational impact
Why teams should care
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution on infrastructure deployment hosts, potentially compromising system integrity, leaking sensitive data, or enabling further attacks. Organizations using affected versions in their deployment pipelines risk operational disruptions and security breaches if unpatched or mitigations are not applied promptly.
Immediate action
Upgrade awslabs.dynamodb-mcp-server to version 2.1.6 or later. Additionally, review and patch any forks or derivative versions to include the fix.
Affected and fixed releases
Temporary risk reduction
If immediate upgrading is not feasible, manually audit dynamodb_data_model.json files to detect and remove unexpected or malicious table, index, or attribute names before running the CDK generator. Avoid processing data model files from untrusted or unverified sources.
Evidence and validation checklist
- AWS Security Bulletin ID 2026-097-AWS
- Official AWS advisory dated 09/04/2026
- Acknowledgement by AWS of coordinated vulnerability disclosure with Jaimen Bell
- Fixed version identified as 2.1.6
- Workaround and upgrade guidance provided
Authoritative reference
AWS Security Bulletins
QCS detected and normalized this record from the official source. Vendor guidance remains authoritative.