---
title: Unsafe execution of shell commands
description: Datadog, the leading service for cloud-scale monitoring.
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  Docs > Datadog Security > Code Security > Static Code Analysis (SAST) > SAST
  Rules > Unsafe execution of shell commands
---

# Unsafe execution of shell commands

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## Metadata{% #metadata %}

**ID:** `python-security/asyncio-subprocess-exec`

**Language:** Python

**Severity:** Error

**Category:** Security

**CWE**: [78](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/78.html)

## Description{% #description %}

Detect unsafe shell execution in the asyncio framework. When we invoke the shell, we should make sure that the data is safe and secure. Use `shlex` to sanitize user inputs.

#### Learn More{% #learn-more %}

- [`Python shlex() module`](https://docs.python.org/3/library/shlex.html)
- [CWE 78 - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/78.html)

## Non-Compliant Code Examples{% #non-compliant-code-examples %}

```python
import asyncio

def handler(event, context):
    # Should sanitize arguments
    async_loop.run_until_complete(async_loop.subprocess_exec(waiting_protocol, ["/bin/sh", "mycommand"]))
```

## Compliant Code Examples{% #compliant-code-examples %}

```python
import asyncio
import shlex

def handler(event, context):
    # Should sanitize arguments
    async_loop.run_until_complete(async_loop.subprocess_exec(waiting_protocol, shlex.split(shlex.quote("/bin/sh mycommand"))))
```
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