CVE-2018-11235: Path Traversal

Published May 29, 2018
·
Updated

A flaw was found in git which allows arbitrary code to be executed when running 'git clone --recurse-submodules (or the deprecated 'git clone --recursive' synonym). A malicious repository can include a .gitmodules submodule config file which points outside of the repository. When git clones such a repository it can be tricked into running hooks within the cloned submodule, which is under the control of the attacker.

References: https://public-inbox.org/git/xmqqy3g2flb6.fsf@gitster-ct.c.googlers.com/ https://www.edwardthomson.com/blog/upgradinggitforcve201811235.html https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=17181238

Other sources

In Git before 2.13.7, 2.14.x before 2.14.4, 2.15.x before 2.15.2, 2.16.x before 2.16.4, and 2.17.x before 2.17.1, remote code execution can occur. With a crafted .gitmodules file, a malicious project can execute an arbitrary script on a machine that runs "git clone --recurse-submodules" because submodule "names" are obtained from this file, and then appended to $GITDIR/modules, leading to directory traversal with "../" in a name. Finally, post-checkout hooks from a submodule are executed, bypassing the intended design in which hooks are not obtained from a remote server.

Launchpad

Affected Software

23 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/git<2.13.7
2.13.7
redhat/git<2.14.4
2.14.4
redhat/git<2.15.2
2.15.2
redhat/git<2.16.4
2.16.4
redhat/git<2.17.1
2.17.1
Debian Debian Linux=8.0
Debian Debian Linux=9.0
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=14.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=16.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=17.10
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=18.04
redhat Enterprise Linux=7.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Desktop=7.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Server=7.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Eus=7.5
redhat Enterprise Linux Workstation=7.0
git-scm Git<=2.13.6
git-scm Git>=2.14.0<=2.14.3
git-scm Git>=2.15.0<=2.15.1
git-scm Git>=2.16.0<=2.16.3
git-scm Git=2.17.0
Gitforwindows Git<=2.17.1
debian/git
1:2.30.2-1+deb11u21:2.30.2-1+deb11u51:2.39.5-0+deb12u31:2.39.5-0+deb12u21:2.47.3-0+deb13u11:2.51.0-1

Event History

May 30, 2018
CVE Published
via MITRE·04:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·04:00 AM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:29 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Feb 20, 2026
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·04:06 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·04:06 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via Debian·04:06 PM
DescriptionAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2018-11235?

CVE-2018-11235 is a vulnerability in Git versions before 2.17.1 that allows remote code execution.

2

How severe is CVE-2018-11235?

CVE-2018-11235 has a severity rating of 7.8, which is categorized as high.

3

Which versions of Git are affected by CVE-2018-11235?

Git versions before 2.13.7, 2.14.x before 2.14.4, 2.15.x before 2.15.2, 2.16.x before 2.16.4, and 2.17.x before 2.17.1 are affected by CVE-2018-11235.

4

How can I fix CVE-2018-11235?

To fix CVE-2018-11235, you should update Git to version 2.17.1 or later.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2018-11235?

You can find more information about CVE-2018-11235 at the following references: [http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-05/msg00003.html](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-05/msg00003.html), [http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/104345](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/104345), [http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1040991](http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1040991).

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