CVE-2020-15272 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

In the git-tag-annotation-action (open source GitHub Action) before version 1.0.1, an attacker can execute arbitrary shell commands if they can control the value of the

tag

input or manage to alter the value of the

GITHUB_REF

environment variable. The issue has been patched in version 1.0.1.

Understanding CVE-2020-15272

This CVE involves a shell-injection vulnerability in the git-tag-annotation GitHub action.

What is CVE-2020-15272?

CVE-2020-15272 is a vulnerability in the git-tag-annotation-action GitHub Action that allows attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands by manipulating the

tag

input or altering the

GITHUB_REF

environment variable.

The Impact of CVE-2020-15272

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH with a CVSS base score of 8.7. It can lead to confidentiality, integrity, and privilege escalation issues.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-15272

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability (CWE-78) stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, leading to OS command injection.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: git-tag-annotation-action
Vendor: ericcornelissen
Versions Affected: < 1.0.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: Required
Scope: Changed
Vector String: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-15272 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to version 1.0.1 of git-tag-annotation-action
Avoid using the

tag

input if possible
Ensure that the

tag

input value is not controlled by another Action

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security advisories and updates
Implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all systems are patched with the latest version (1.0.1) of git-tag-annotation-action.