CVE-2020-26284

What it is

Hugo is a fast and Flexible Static Site Generator built in Go. Hugo depends on Go's `os/exec` for certain features, e.g. for rendering of Pandoc documents if these binaries are found in the system `%PATH%` on Windows. In Hugo before version 0.79.1, if a malicious file with the same name (`exe` or `bat`) is found in the current working directory at the time of running `hugo`, the malicious command will be invoked instead of the system one. Windows users who run `hugo` inside untrusted Hugo sites are affected. Users should upgrade to Hugo v0.79.1. Other than avoiding untrusted Hugo sites, there is no workaround.

At a glance

Exploitability

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

Exploit odds

1.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2020-12-21 23:15 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: 1.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.7 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-12-21 23:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 03:07 UTC

Exploit probability

1.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-78 · OS command injection

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Gohugo Hugo < 0.79.1

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.7

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

Low

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-2020-26284.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-26284. 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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