CVE-2023-49291

What it is

tj-actions/branch-names is a Github action to retrieve branch or tag names with support for all events. The `tj-actions/branch-names` GitHub Actions improperly references the `github.event.pull_request.head.ref` and `github.head_ref` context variables within a GitHub Actions `run` step. The head ref variable is the branch name and can be used to execute arbitrary code using a specially crafted branch name. As a result an attacker can use this vulnerability to steal secrets from or abuse `GITHUB_TOKEN` permissions. This vulnerability has been addressed in version 7.0.7. Users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data tampering.

Exploit odds

1.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2023-12-05 00:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 06:35 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 9.3 CRITICAL (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-12-05 00:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 06:35 UTC

Exploit probability

1.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-20 · Improper input validation

Record status

Modified

Affected

• tj-actions branch-names < 7.0.0
• tj-actions branch-names < 7.0.7

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 9.3

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

Low

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-2023-49291.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-49291. 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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