CVE-2023-22490

What it is

Git is a revision control system. Using a specially-crafted repository, Git prior to versions 2.39.2, 2.38.4, 2.37.6, 2.36.5, 2.35.7, 2.34.7, 2.33.7, 2.32.6, 2.31.7, and 2.30.8 can be tricked into using its local clone optimization even when using a non-local transport. Though Git will abort local clones whose source `$GIT_DIR/objects` directory contains symbolic links, the `objects` directory itself may still be a symbolic link. These two may be combined to include arbitrary files based on known paths on the victim's filesystem within the malicious repository's working copy, allowing for data exfiltration in a similar manner as CVE-2022-39253. A fix has been prepared and will appear in v2.39.2 v2.38.4 v2.37.6 v2.36.5 v2.35.7 v2.34.7 v2.33.7 v2.32.6, v2.31.7 and v2.30.8. If upgrading is impractical, two short-term workarounds are available. Avoid cloning repositories from untrusted sources with `--recurse-submodules`. Instead, consider cloning repositories without recursively cloning their submodules, and instead run `git submodule update` at each layer. Before doing so, inspect each new `.gitmodules` file to ensure that it does not contain suspicious module URLs.

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.

Exploit odds

0.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2023-02-14 20:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-08 22:17 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-02-14 20:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-08 22:17 UTC

Exploit probability

0.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-59

Record status

Modified

Affected

• git-scm Git < 2.30.8
• git-scm Git < 2.31.7
• git-scm Git < 2.32.6
• git-scm Git < 2.33.7
• git-scm Git < 2.34.7
• git-scm Git < 2.35.7
• git-scm Git < 2.36.5
• git-scm Git < 2.37.6

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.5

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

None

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-2023-22490.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-22490. 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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