CVE-2026-44590: CWE-78: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in sherlock-project sherlock
Sherlock hunts down social media accounts by username across social networks. Prior to 0.16.1, the GitHub Actions workflow validate_modified_targets.yml is vulnerable to command injection via the pull_request_target trigger. Any GitHub user can execute arbitrary commands on the CI runner and exfiltrate the GITHUB_TOKEN by opening a pull request. No approval, review, or merge is required. This vulnerability is fixed in 0.16.1.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The sherlock tool, used for hunting social media accounts by username, had a command injection vulnerability in its GitHub Actions workflow validate_modified_targets.yml before version 0.16.1. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands (CWE-78) triggered via the pull_request_target event. This allows unauthenticated GitHub users to run arbitrary commands on the CI runner and steal the GITHUB_TOKEN without any pull request approval or merge. The issue is resolved in version 0.16.1.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary OS commands on the CI runner hosting the GitHub Actions workflow. This can lead to exfiltration of the GITHUB_TOKEN, which may allow further unauthorized access to the repository or other resources accessible via the token. The vulnerability does not require any privileges or user interaction beyond opening a pull request, making it highly critical.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade sherlock to version 0.16.1 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. Since the vulnerability is in the GitHub Actions workflow, updating to the patched workflow version eliminates the risk. There is no indication of an official temporary fix or workaround; therefore, applying the official fix is necessary.
CVE-2026-44590: CWE-78: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in sherlock-project sherlock
Description
Sherlock hunts down social media accounts by username across social networks. Prior to 0.16.1, the GitHub Actions workflow validate_modified_targets.yml is vulnerable to command injection via the pull_request_target trigger. Any GitHub user can execute arbitrary commands on the CI runner and exfiltrate the GITHUB_TOKEN by opening a pull request. No approval, review, or merge is required. This vulnerability is fixed in 0.16.1.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.3critical
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The sherlock tool, used for hunting social media accounts by username, had a command injection vulnerability in its GitHub Actions workflow validate_modified_targets.yml before version 0.16.1. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands (CWE-78) triggered via the pull_request_target event. This allows unauthenticated GitHub users to run arbitrary commands on the CI runner and steal the GITHUB_TOKEN without any pull request approval or merge. The issue is resolved in version 0.16.1.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary OS commands on the CI runner hosting the GitHub Actions workflow. This can lead to exfiltration of the GITHUB_TOKEN, which may allow further unauthorized access to the repository or other resources accessible via the token. The vulnerability does not require any privileges or user interaction beyond opening a pull request, making it highly critical.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade sherlock to version 0.16.1 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. Since the vulnerability is in the GitHub Actions workflow, updating to the patched workflow version eliminates the risk. There is no indication of an official temporary fix or workaround; therefore, applying the official fix is necessary.
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: 5/27/2026, 8:18:37 PM
Last enriched: 5/27/2026, 8:35:43 PM
Last updated: 5/29/2026, 8:42:17 PM
Views: 68
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