CVE-2020-26233

What it is

Git Credential Manager Core (GCM Core) is a secure Git credential helper built on .NET Core that runs on Windows and macOS. In Git Credential Manager Core before version 2.0.289, when recursively cloning a Git repository on Windows with submodules, Git will first clone the top-level repository and then recursively clone all submodules by starting new Git processes from the top-level working directory. If a malicious git.exe executable is present in the top-level repository then this binary will be started by Git Credential Manager Core when attempting to read configuration, and not git.exe as found on the %PATH%. This only affects GCM Core on Windows, not macOS or Linux-based distributions. GCM Core version 2.0.289 contains the fix for this vulnerability, and is available from the project's GitHub releases page. GCM Core 2.0.289 is also bundled in the latest Git for Windows release; version 2.29.2(3). As a workaround, users should avoid recursively cloning untrusted repositories with the --recurse-submodules option.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with an admin-level account, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering.

Exploit odds

6.0% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2020-12-08 20:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 03:07 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 6.0% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.3 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-12-08 20:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 03:07 UTC

Exploit probability

6.0% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-706

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Microsoft Git Credential Manager Core < 2.0.289

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.3

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

None

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2020-26233.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-26233. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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