CVE-2026-44590: CWE-78: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in sherlock-project sherlock
CVE-2026-44590 is a critical OS command injection vulnerability in the sherlock-project's sherlock tool prior to version 0.16.1. The flaw exists in the GitHub Actions workflow validate_modified_targets.yml, which is triggered by pull_request_target events. An attacker can exploit this by opening a pull request to execute arbitrary commands on the CI runner without needing approval, review, or merge. This can lead to exfiltration of the GITHUB_TOKEN, potentially compromising repository credentials. The vulnerability is fixed in version 0.16.1.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
Sherlock is a tool for finding social media accounts by username. Versions before 0.16.1 contain a command injection vulnerability in the GitHub Actions workflow validate_modified_targets.yml. This workflow is triggered by pull_request_target events, allowing any GitHub user to run arbitrary commands on the CI runner by simply opening a pull request. This can result in unauthorized command execution and leakage of the GITHUB_TOKEN. The vulnerability is identified as CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command). The issue is resolved in version 0.16.1.
Potential Impact
Exploitation allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary OS commands on the continuous integration runner environment. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive tokens such as GITHUB_TOKEN, enabling further compromise of the repository or related resources. The CVSS v3.1 score is 9.3 (critical), reflecting the high impact on confidentiality and integrity with no required privileges or user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade sherlock to version 0.16.1 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. Until upgrading, avoid running untrusted pull requests on workflows triggered by pull_request_target events. Patch status is not explicitly stated but the vendor fixed the issue in version 0.16.1, so applying this update is the recommended remediation.
CVE-2026-44590: CWE-78: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in sherlock-project sherlock
Description
CVE-2026-44590 is a critical OS command injection vulnerability in the sherlock-project's sherlock tool prior to version 0.16.1. The flaw exists in the GitHub Actions workflow validate_modified_targets.yml, which is triggered by pull_request_target events. An attacker can exploit this by opening a pull request to execute arbitrary commands on the CI runner without needing approval, review, or merge. This can lead to exfiltration of the GITHUB_TOKEN, potentially compromising repository credentials. The vulnerability is fixed in version 0.16.1.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.3critical
Affected software
pkg:github/sherlock-project/sherlockRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
Sherlock is a tool for finding social media accounts by username. Versions before 0.16.1 contain a command injection vulnerability in the GitHub Actions workflow validate_modified_targets.yml. This workflow is triggered by pull_request_target events, allowing any GitHub user to run arbitrary commands on the CI runner by simply opening a pull request. This can result in unauthorized command execution and leakage of the GITHUB_TOKEN. The vulnerability is identified as CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command). The issue is resolved in version 0.16.1.
Potential Impact
Exploitation allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary OS commands on the continuous integration runner environment. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive tokens such as GITHUB_TOKEN, enabling further compromise of the repository or related resources. The CVSS v3.1 score is 9.3 (critical), reflecting the high impact on confidentiality and integrity with no required privileges or user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade sherlock to version 0.16.1 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. Until upgrading, avoid running untrusted pull requests on workflows triggered by pull_request_target events. Patch status is not explicitly stated but the vendor fixed the issue in version 0.16.1, so applying this update is the recommended remediation.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-06T21:49:12.425Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a17519de29bf47b50e77198
Added to database: 05/27/2026, 20:18:37 UTC
Last enriched: 06/03/2026, 20:52:03 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:59 UTC
Views: 119
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