CVE-2022-41953

What it is

Git GUI is a convenient graphical tool that comes with Git for Windows. Its target audience is users who are uncomfortable with using Git on the command-line. Git GUI has a function to clone repositories. Immediately after the local clone is available, Git GUI will automatically post-process it, among other things running a spell checker called `aspell.exe` if it was found. Git GUI is implemented as a Tcl/Tk script. Due to the unfortunate design of Tcl on Windows, the search path when looking for an executable _always includes the current directory_. Therefore, malicious repositories can ship with an `aspell.exe` in their top-level directory which is executed by Git GUI without giving the user a chance to inspect it first, i.e. running untrusted code. This issue has been addressed in version 2.39.1. Users are advised to upgrade. Users unable to upgrade should avoid using Git GUI for cloning. If that is not a viable option, at least avoid cloning from untrusted sources.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

8.0% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2023-01-17 22:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 05:04 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 8.0% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.6 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-01-17 22:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 05:04 UTC

Exploit probability

8.0% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-426

Record status

Modified

Affected

• git-scm Git < 2.39.1

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.6

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

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-2022-41953.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2022-41953. 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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