gitoxide: CommandForbiddenInModulesConfiguration Bypass in gix_submodule::File::update() Enables Arbitrary Command Execution via .gitmodules (CVE-2026-40034)
A vulnerability in gitoxide's gix_submodule::File::update() allows an attacker to bypass command execution restrictions via a crafted .gitmodules file. The function incorrectly verifies the source of the 'update' configuration, enabling arbitrary shell command execution when a submodule has been initialized. This issue arises because the guard checks only for the existence of a trusted section with the same submodule name but does not confirm that the 'update' value itself originates from that trusted source. This flaw can lead to execution of attacker-controlled commands during submodule updates.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability exists in gitoxide's gix_submodule::File::update() method, which is intended to prevent execution of shell commands specified in the 'update' field of .gitmodules unless the value originates from a trusted local source (.git/config). The implementation incorrectly checks only for the presence of any non-.gitmodules section with the same submodule name, not whether the 'update' value itself is from that trusted section. Consequently, if a submodule has been initialized (creating a section in .git/config), an attacker can add 'update = !<command>' to .gitmodules, bypassing the guard and causing the command to be executed. This differs from the behavior of standard git, which rejects such .gitmodules entries. The vulnerability was introduced in a specific commit and affects versions >=0.31.0 and <0.83.0 of gitoxide. No known exploits in the wild have been reported.
Potential Impact
An attacker who can modify the .gitmodules file in a repository can execute arbitrary shell commands on the victim's system when the victim runs gitoxide submodule update operations. This bypasses intended security restrictions designed to prevent execution of commands specified in .gitmodules. The impact includes potential unauthorized code execution with the privileges of the user running the gitoxide client.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, avoid running gitoxide submodule update commands on repositories where the .gitmodules file may be attacker-controlled or untrusted. Monitor vendor channels for updates addressing this vulnerability.
gitoxide: CommandForbiddenInModulesConfiguration Bypass in gix_submodule::File::update() Enables Arbitrary Command Execution via .gitmodules (CVE-2026-40034)
Description
A vulnerability in gitoxide's gix_submodule::File::update() allows an attacker to bypass command execution restrictions via a crafted .gitmodules file. The function incorrectly verifies the source of the 'update' configuration, enabling arbitrary shell command execution when a submodule has been initialized. This issue arises because the guard checks only for the existence of a trusted section with the same submodule name but does not confirm that the 'update' value itself originates from that trusted source. This flaw can lead to execution of attacker-controlled commands during submodule updates.
CVSS v4.0
Affected software
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability exists in gitoxide's gix_submodule::File::update() method, which is intended to prevent execution of shell commands specified in the 'update' field of .gitmodules unless the value originates from a trusted local source (.git/config). The implementation incorrectly checks only for the presence of any non-.gitmodules section with the same submodule name, not whether the 'update' value itself is from that trusted section. Consequently, if a submodule has been initialized (creating a section in .git/config), an attacker can add 'update = !<command>' to .gitmodules, bypassing the guard and causing the command to be executed. This differs from the behavior of standard git, which rejects such .gitmodules entries. The vulnerability was introduced in a specific commit and affects versions >=0.31.0 and <0.83.0 of gitoxide. No known exploits in the wild have been reported.
Potential Impact
An attacker who can modify the .gitmodules file in a repository can execute arbitrary shell commands on the victim's system when the victim runs gitoxide submodule update operations. This bypasses intended security restrictions designed to prevent execution of commands specified in .gitmodules. The impact includes potential unauthorized code execution with the privileges of the user running the gitoxide client.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, avoid running gitoxide submodule update commands on repositories where the .gitmodules file may be attacker-controlled or untrusted. Monitor vendor channels for updates addressing this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Csaf Category
- csaf_vex
- Csaf Version
- 2.0
- Publisher
- Microsoft Security Response Center
- Advisory Id
- msrc_CVE-2026-40034
- Cve Count
- 1
- Additional Cves
- []
- Cvss Version
- null
Threat ID: 6a1ca153e29bf47b505e07f5
Added to database: 05/31/2026, 21:00:03 UTC
Last enriched: 07/01/2026, 00:25:58 UTC
Last updated: 07/23/2026, 18:18:29 UTC
Views: 81
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