This vulnerability allows execution of arbitrary commands through Git option manipulation in simple-git versions up to and including 3.31.1. This flaw is critical as it bypasses safety checks intended to prevent dangerous options like -u and --upload-pack. The root cause is an incomplete fix for CVE-2022-25860, leading to multiple character combinations that can circumvent safety measures.
With a CVSS score of 8.1, this high-severity vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access or system compromise. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The exploitation status remains unconfirmed, with no known public exploits at this time. Nevertheless, the potential impact highlights the importance of swift remediation measures.
Organizations using simple-git should upgrade to version 3.32.0 or later to mitigate this risk. The nature of the vulnerability emphasizes the necessity of continually monitoring and updating software components to safeguard against evolving threats.
Vulnerability Details
The official description states that this vulnerability allows execution of arbitrary commands through Git option manipulation. The flaw originates from an incomplete fix for CVE-2022-25860, as Git's flexible option parsing permits various character combinations that bypass safety checks. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')).
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.1, indicating high severity. The attack vector is network-based, with high attack complexity and no privileges required for exploitation. Affected systems include all versions of simple-git up to 3.31.1, with the flaw addressed in version 3.32.0.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the incomplete implementation of safety checks intended to block dangerous Git options. The flexible option parsing of Git allows attackers to use various combinations of characters that can evade the regex-based blocklist in the unsafe operations plugin.
The attack vector is network-based, enabling remote exploitation without requiring user interaction. The attack complexity is rated high, as attackers must construct specific command options to exploit the vulnerability. No elevated privileges are necessary, increasing the potential risk, as any user can execute arbitrary commands.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized command execution, leading to data breaches, system compromise, or service disruptions. The blast radius can be significant, especially in environments where simple-git is integrated into automated workflows or CI/CD pipelines.
Given the CVSS score of 8.1, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The existence of numerous character combinations that can bypass security checks makes it critical to implement patches promptly to prevent exploitation.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch (3.32.0) are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that they update to the latest version to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations must upgrade to version 3.32.0 or later of simple-git. If immediate upgrading is not feasible, consider implementing network controls to limit access to systems using vulnerable versions. Additionally, configuration hardening can help minimize exposure.
For ongoing security posture improvement, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing services to identify potential vulnerabilities in their environment.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unauthorized command execution attempts. Behavioral anomalies in systems using simple-git should be scrutinized, particularly around command parsing. Additionally, network signatures associated with this vulnerability should be integrated into security monitoring tools.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2026-28291 underscores the challenges of implementing effective security measures in complex systems. The flexibility of Git's command options illustrates the need for robust parsing and validation mechanisms to prevent potential exploitation.
This vulnerability represents a trend where attackers exploit oversights in software design, emphasizing the necessity for developers to prioritize security in their coding practices.
To mitigate such risks, security teams should adopt proactive measures, including regular audits and security assessments, to ensure vulnerabilities are identified and addressed promptly. Organizations are encouraged to review their application security frameworks and consider implementing more robust security protocols.
For further information on vulnerability management, organizations can refer to vulnerability management program design resources.
Known Exploitation Timeline
Currently, there is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-28291 in the wild.
EPSS Risk Context
The EPSS score for this vulnerability is 0.00125, placing it in the 31st percentile. This indicates a low probability of exploitation, but organizations should remain vigilant and monitor for any changes.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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