CVE-2023-2138 in github-module
Summary
by MITRE • 04/18/2023
Use of Hard-coded Credentials in GitHub repository nuxtlabs/github-module prior to 1.6.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2138 represents a critical security flaw in the nuxtlabs/github-module repository where hard-coded credentials were inadvertently included in the source code. This issue affects versions prior to 1.6.2 and demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure coding practices that exposes organizations to significant operational risks. The presence of hard-coded credentials within version control systems creates a persistent security exposure that can be exploited by malicious actors with access to the repository or its history.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software applications. The flaw occurs when authentication credentials such as API keys, passwords, or tokens are embedded directly within source code files rather than being managed through secure configuration management systems. The nuxtlabs/github-module repository contained these sensitive credentials in plain text, making them immediately accessible to anyone who can access the codebase. This represents a severe violation of the principle of least privilege and secure credential management practices that are fundamental to modern software security frameworks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it creates a persistent attack surface that can be exploited by unauthorized parties. When credentials are hard-coded in source repositories, they remain valid indefinitely unless manually rotated, providing attackers with sustained access to connected systems and services. The GitHub module's functionality typically involves interacting with GitHub APIs to perform various operations such as repository management, issue tracking, and deployment automation. If these hard-coded credentials are valid, attackers could potentially access and manipulate GitHub repositories, execute unauthorized operations, and gain elevated privileges within the associated development environments.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and persistence mechanisms. Adversaries can leverage such hard-coded credentials to establish backdoors within development environments, access sensitive code repositories, and potentially move laterally within organizational networks. The vulnerability's presence in a widely-used module like the nuxtlabs/github-module amplifies its impact, as numerous organizations may be unknowingly using affected versions and exposing their systems to potential compromise.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive remediation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary mitigation involves upgrading to version 1.6.2 or later of the nuxtlabs/github-module where the hard-coded credentials have been removed and replaced with proper credential management mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough code reviews and security assessments to identify any other instances of hard-coded credentials within their codebases. Implementing automated security scanning tools within continuous integration pipelines can help prevent similar issues from reoccurring in future development cycles. Regular credential rotation practices and the adoption of secure configuration management systems should be enforced to ensure that sensitive authentication information is never embedded within source code repositories.
The incident underscores the critical importance of secure development lifecycle practices and the implementation of automated security controls. Organizations must establish robust processes for managing sensitive information throughout the software development lifecycle, including the use of environment variables, secret management systems, and proper access controls for code repositories. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor oversights in secure coding practices can create significant security risks that persist long after the initial code commit, emphasizing the need for continuous security monitoring and proactive remediation strategies.