CVE-2018-11235

CVE-2018-11235 is a high-severity vulnerability in Git-scm Git with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 49% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-22.

Key facts

Description

In Git before 2.13.7, 2.14.x before 2.14.4, 2.15.x before 2.15.2, 2.16.x before 2.16.4, and 2.17.x before 2.17.1, remote code execution can occur. With a crafted .gitmodules file, a malicious project can execute an arbitrary script on a machine that runs "git clone --recurse-submodules" because submodule "names" are obtained from this file, and then appended to $GIT_DIR/modules, leading to directory traversal with "../" in a name. Finally, post-checkout hooks from a submodule are executed, bypassing the intended design in which hooks are not obtained from a remote server.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-11235?
In Git before 2.13.7, 2.14.x before 2.14.4, 2.15.x before 2.15.2, 2.16.x before 2.16.4, and 2.17.x before 2.17.1, remote code execution can occur. With a crafted .gitmodules file, a malicious project can execute an arbitrary script on a machine that runs "git clone --recurse-submodules" because submodule "names" are obtained from this file, and then appended to $GIT_DIR/modules, leading to directory traversal with "../" in a name. Finally, post-checkout hooks from a submodule are executed, bypassing the intended design in which hooks are not obtained from a remote server.
How severe is CVE-2018-11235?
CVE-2018-11235 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2018-11235 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 49% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-11235?
CVE-2018-11235 primarily affects Git-scm Git. In total, 14 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-11235?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2018-11235 published?
CVE-2018-11235 was published on 2018-05-30 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (14)

More vulnerabilities in Git-scm Git

All CVEs affecting Git-scm Git →

Other CWE-22 (Path Traversal) vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-22 (Path Traversal) vulnerabilities →