CVE-2026-12171

What it is

auto-changelog before 2.6.1 merges configuration from inside the target repository (the .auto-changelog file and the auto-changelog key in package.json) into its options, and honors security-sensitive options from that untrusted source. The handlebarsSetup option is passed to require(), so running auto-changelog over attacker-controlled repository content (for example, in a CI workflow that checks out an untrusted pull request head, or locally on a forked or third-party repository) executes attacker-chosen code with the privileges of the invoking user or CI job, including access to workflow secrets, without the repository dependencies ever being installed. The plugins option similarly loads attacker-controlled modules from the repository. Under the same conditions, appendGitLog/appendGitTag allow git argument injection (e.g. --output= to write arbitrary files), output allows writing attacker-influenced content to arbitrary paths, and template causes an outbound request to an attacker-chosen URL. Version 2.6.1 treats in-repository configuration as untrusted and refuses to run when it sets these options, unless the new --unsafe-config flag is passed.

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

0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-06-12 21:15 UTC ReservedThe CVE id was reserved by its CNA
2. 2026-10-05 17:17 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
3. 2026-10-06 16:08 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.4 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-10-05 17:17 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-06 16:08 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-22 · Path traversal

Record status

Deferred

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 8.4

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Attack requirements

None

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Active

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-2026-12171.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-12171. 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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