CVE-2019-19604 in Git
Summary
by MITRE
Arbitrary command execution is possible in Git before 2.20.2, 2.21.x before 2.21.1, 2.22.x before 2.22.2, 2.23.x before 2.23.1, and 2.24.x before 2.24.1 because a "git submodule update" operation can run commands found in the .gitmodules file of a malicious repository.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19604 represents a critical arbitrary command execution flaw in Git versions prior to specific patch releases. This security issue arises from the improper handling of submodule configurations during the git submodule update operation, creating a significant attack vector for malicious actors who can manipulate repository metadata to execute unauthorized commands on affected systems. The flaw specifically targets the .gitmodules file which contains configuration data about submodules, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed when users perform standard Git operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Git's failure to properly sanitize command inputs when processing submodule configurations. When a user executes git submodule update on a repository containing a malicious .gitmodules file, the system parses the configuration entries and executes commands specified in the file without adequate validation or isolation. This behavior aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, making it a classic command injection vulnerability that can be exploited across multiple Git versions. The attack occurs during routine Git operations, making it particularly dangerous as users may not suspect malicious activity during normal development workflows.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-19604 extends beyond simple command execution, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over affected systems. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms within development environments. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires minimal user interaction beyond performing standard Git operations, making it difficult to detect and prevent through conventional security measures. Organizations using Git for version control are at risk, especially those with automated build systems or continuous integration pipelines that automatically fetch and update submodules, as these processes can be compromised without explicit user knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of Git installations to versions that address the command injection flaw. System administrators should prioritize updating all Git installations across development environments, build servers, and CI/CD pipelines to versions 2.20.2, 2.21.1, 2.22.2, 2.23.1, or 2.24.1 respectively. Additional protective measures include implementing strict repository access controls, conducting regular security audits of .gitmodules files, and establishing automated scanning tools to detect potentially malicious submodule configurations. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level restrictions on Git operations to prevent automatic submodule updates from untrusted repositories, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Regular security training for development teams about the risks of cloning untrusted repositories and the importance of verifying repository integrity can further reduce the attack surface and prevent successful exploitation of this vulnerability.