Windsurf / Codeium

Windsurf Security Incidents

Documented security vulnerabilities, privacy concerns, and risks affecting Windsurf IDE users. Stay informed and protect your development workflow.

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Ongoing

Documented Security Issues

Cascade Agent Arbitrary Code Execution

criticalBy Design

Windsurf's Cascade agent can execute terminal commands, modify files, and perform system operations. While this is intentional functionality, it creates significant risk if the agent is manipulated or misused.

Technical Details

  • •Cascade has permission to execute terminal commands
  • •Agent can create, modify, and delete files
  • •No sandboxing for agent-initiated operations
  • •Agent actions are based on AI interpretation of user requests

Impact

  • •Unintended file modifications or deletions
  • •Execution of dangerous commands if AI misinterprets request
  • •Potential for malicious prompt injection to trigger harmful actions
  • •System configuration changes without explicit user approval

Mitigation

  • Review Cascade's proposed actions before execution
  • Use 'Ask' mode instead of 'Auto' for sensitive operations
  • Keep backups of important files
  • Limit Windsurf workspace to only necessary directories
  • Monitor terminal history for unexpected commands

Code Telemetry and Privacy Concerns

mediumBy Design

Windsurf/Codeium collects telemetry data including code snippets for AI model improvement. While users can opt out, the default configuration sends code context to Codeium servers.

Technical Details

  • •Code context sent to Codeium servers for autocomplete
  • •Telemetry includes usage patterns and code samples
  • •Enterprise tier offers on-premise deployment option
  • •Opt-out available but not default

Impact

  • •Proprietary code exposure to third-party servers
  • •Potential compliance issues with data residency requirements
  • •Code may be used for model training without explicit consent
  • •Enterprise intellectual property concerns

Mitigation

  • Review and configure telemetry settings
  • Consider Enterprise tier for sensitive projects
  • Exclude proprietary directories from Windsurf access
  • Verify compliance with your organization's data policies

AI-Generated Security Vulnerabilities

highOngoing Issue

Like all AI coding assistants, Windsurf can generate code containing security vulnerabilities. Common issues include hardcoded credentials, SQL injection, XSS vulnerabilities, and insecure authentication patterns.

Technical Details

  • •AI models trained on public code including insecure patterns
  • •No runtime security validation of generated code
  • •Autocomplete may suggest insecure but syntactically correct code
  • •Generated code may not follow security best practices

Impact

  • •Introduction of security vulnerabilities in production code
  • •Exposed API keys and credentials
  • •SQL injection and XSS vulnerabilities
  • •Weak authentication implementations

Mitigation

  • Review all AI-generated code for security issues
  • Use security linters and static analysis tools
  • Run vulnerability scans before deployment
  • Follow secure coding guidelines regardless of code source

Broad Extension Permissions

mediumBy Design

Windsurf extensions (inherited from VS Code ecosystem) have broad permissions and can access code, filesystem, and network resources. Malicious or compromised extensions pose significant risk.

Technical Details

  • •Extensions can access all open files and workspaces
  • •Network access for extensions not restricted
  • •Extension updates may introduce vulnerabilities
  • •Limited visibility into extension behavior

Impact

  • •Code exfiltration via malicious extensions
  • •Supply chain attacks through compromised extensions
  • •Credential theft from development environment
  • •Unauthorized network communications

Mitigation

  • Only install extensions from trusted publishers
  • Audit installed extensions regularly
  • Review extension permissions before installation
  • Monitor network activity from Windsurf processes

Cascade Agent Safety Tips

Windsurf's Cascade agent is powerful but requires careful use. Follow these tips to use it safely.

Use Ask Mode for Sensitive Operations

Configure Cascade to ask before executing potentially destructive commands

Review Before Execution

Always review proposed file changes and terminal commands before accepting

Limit Workspace Scope

Open only the directories you need, not your entire home folder

Version Control Everything

Keep code in git so you can revert unintended changes

Backup Critical Files

Maintain backups of configuration files and important data

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AI-generated code can contain subtle vulnerabilities. Our scanner checks for exposed secrets, auth issues, and common security misconfigurations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Windsurf safe to use?

Windsurf can be used safely with proper precautions. The main risks come from AI-generated code containing vulnerabilities and the broad permissions of the Cascade agent. Review AI suggestions carefully, use 'Ask' mode for sensitive operations, and follow security best practices for any code you deploy.

Does Windsurf send my code to external servers?

Yes, by default Windsurf sends code context to Codeium servers for AI processing. Enterprise customers can opt for on-premise deployment. For sensitive projects, review Windsurf's privacy settings and consider whether cloud-based AI assistance is appropriate for your use case.

What is the Cascade agent risk?

Cascade is an AI agent that can execute commands and modify files on your behalf. While powerful for productivity, it means AI decisions can affect your system. The risk is that AI might misinterpret requests or be manipulated via prompt injection to perform unintended actions. Always review Cascade's proposed actions.

Should I disable Cascade?

You don't need to disable Cascade entirely, but consider using 'Ask' mode instead of 'Auto' mode, especially when working with important files or system configurations. This ensures you review and approve each action before execution.

How does Windsurf compare to Cursor security-wise?

Both tools have similar security considerations: AI-generated code risks, extension vulnerabilities, and data transmission to AI providers. Windsurf's Cascade agent adds an additional attack surface compared to Cursor's more traditional autocomplete approach. Both require the same security vigilance.

Related Resources

Cursor CVE DatabaseVibe Coding DangersSecurity Guide