CVE-2019-1349 in Visual Studio
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when Git for Visual Studio improperly sanitizes input, aka 'Git for Visual Studio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-1350, CVE-2019-1352, CVE-2019-1354, CVE-2019-1387.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1349 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Git for Visual Studio, a widely used version control integration tool for Microsoft Visual Studio environments. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms within the Git for Visual Studio component, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically impacts the handling of user-supplied data during Git operations, particularly when processing repository names, branch names, or other Git-related identifiers that are passed through the Visual Studio interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Git for Visual Studio fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before processing it within the underlying Git command execution framework. Attackers can craft malicious input strings that, when processed by the vulnerable Git for Visual Studio component, result in command injection attacks. This typically manifests when the application passes user-provided data directly to Git commands without appropriate escaping or validation, allowing attackers to inject additional commands that execute with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trusted Visual Studio environment to execute malicious code, bypassing traditional security boundaries that might otherwise protect the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-1349 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable complete system compromise when attackers leverage the vulnerability in conjunction with other attack vectors. Organizations using Git for Visual Studio are at risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability affects developers who rely on Visual Studio's integrated Git functionality, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple developers may be working with potentially malicious repositories or code. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-74 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the Windows Command Prompt.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-1349 should focus on immediate patch application from Microsoft, as the vulnerability was addressed through official updates to Git for Visual Studio and Visual Studio itself. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to monitor Git-related traffic and establish strict input validation policies for repository operations. Security teams should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of unauthorized Git commands and establish monitoring for unusual Git operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, developers should be educated about the risks of using untrusted repositories and the importance of validating repository contents before integration into development workflows. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in integrated development environments where user interactions directly influence system command execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive security testing of development tools and their integration points.