CVE-2025-27614 is an OS command injection vulnerability classified under CWE-78 affecting the j6t gitk tool, a graphical Git history browser implemented in Tcl/Tk. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands when gitk is invoked with a crafted filename argument. Starting with version 2.41.0, an attacker can create a malicious Git repository containing a filename structured to execute arbitrary scripts (e.g., shell, Perl, Python) when a user runs gitk filename. This execution occurs with the privileges of the user running gitk, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attack requires social engineering to convince the user to clone the malicious repository and invoke gitk with the crafted filename, thus requiring user interaction and local access. The vulnerability affects multiple version ranges with patches released incrementally from 2.43.7 through 2.50.1. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.6 (high severity) reflecting local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and complete impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits in the wild have been reported yet, but the potential impact is significant given the ability to execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability is particularly relevant to organizations relying heavily on Git and gitk for software development and version control, as exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, data theft, or system disruption.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-27614 can be substantial. Many enterprises, especially in technology, finance, and government sectors, use Git and gitk for source code management and auditing. Exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with user-level privileges, potentially leading to data breaches, insertion of malicious code into software projects, or disruption of development workflows. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers could access sensitive source code and internal documentation. Integrity is compromised by the possibility of injecting malicious scripts or altering code history. Availability could be affected if attackers deploy destructive payloads or ransomware. The requirement for user interaction and local access somewhat limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where developers frequently clone external repositories or use gitk to inspect untrusted code. The vulnerability could also facilitate lateral movement within networks if exploited on developer workstations connected to corporate infrastructure. Overall, the threat poses a high risk to European organizations with active software development pipelines using vulnerable gitk versions.

To mitigate CVE-2025-27614, European organizations should immediately upgrade all gitk installations to the latest patched versions (2.43.7, 2.44.4, 2.45.4, 2.46.4, 2.47.3, 2.48.2, 2.49.1, or 2.50.1). Organizations should audit their environments to identify all instances of gitk and verify version compliance. Implement strict policies to avoid cloning and inspecting Git repositories from untrusted or unknown sources. Educate developers and users about the risks of opening repositories and files from unverified origins, emphasizing caution when invoking gitk with filenames. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious script execution triggered by gitk. Consider restricting the use of gitk to isolated or sandboxed environments where possible. Additionally, monitor logs for unusual gitk usage patterns or unexpected script executions. Incorporate this vulnerability into vulnerability management and patching workflows to ensure timely updates. For critical environments, consider disabling gitk temporarily until patched versions are deployed.