External risk intelligence

Simple Git Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2026-28292

This is a developer-focused Node.js library integrated as a build-time or runtime dependency. It is not an internet-facing service or edge gateway. While used by applications that may handle network requests, the component itself is a code library for local system interaction, making direct public-internet exposure of the vulnerable interface unlikely in normal deployments.

OS Command Injection

Simple Git Project Simple Git

3.15.0 to before 3.32.2

Halo Surface Signal: 1 out of 5 — much less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A critical vulnerability has been identified in the `simple-git` Node.js library, affecting its use in various applications. This issue allows for remote code execution, meaning an unauthorized party could potentially take control of the host system. The main concern is confirming if this library is in use within our environment and assessing the potential exposure.

Library flaw allows remote system takeover.
Remember: affects code running on our systems.
Confirm usage; assess exposure risk.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted input to a Node.js application that uses a vulnerable version of the `simple-git` library. If the application processes this input without proper sanitization, the attacker could then execute arbitrary commands on the host system. This bypasses previous security measures and allows for full remote code execution.

No special access required.
Malicious input processed by the application.
Full remote code execution on host.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in a Node.js git interface could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the host machine when the affected component is utilized under specific conditions, potentially leading to a complete system compromise.

System commands and data could be compromised.
An attacker could exploit network-accessible operations.
Full remote code execution on the host.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Application owners and platform teams managing Node.js environments are likely responsible for addressing this critical vulnerability in `simple-git`. The first practical step is to identify all instances where `simple-git` is used, confirm its reachability and business criticality, and then assign ownership to the appropriate team for remediation planning.

Identify application owners and platform teams.
Verify `simple-git` usage and impact.
Plan remediation based on identified risk.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is simple-git and how is it used?

simple-git is a Node.js library that allows developers to run Git commands directly from their application code. It acts as a wrapper, enabling programs to automate repository tasks like committing, pushing, or pulling code. Developers typically integrate it into build tools, deployment scripts, or internal backend services that need to manage version control systems programmatically.

What does CWE-78 mean for CVE-2026-28292?

This vulnerability involves OS Command Injection, classified under CWE-78. Essentially, the library fails to properly sanitize input before passing it to the underlying system shell. Because CVE-2026-28292 allows an attacker to bypass previous security patches, they can trick the application into executing unauthorized commands on the host machine as if those commands were part of the intended Git operation.

How does an attacker trigger this vulnerability?

An attacker triggers the bug by sending specifically crafted input to a Node.js application that relies on a vulnerable version of the library to process Git commands. It is important to note that the vulnerability is not triggered by simply installing the library; the application must actively receive and process malicious, unsanitized user input through a code path that calls simple-git functions.

Do I need to worry about this if my app is internal?

Yes, even if your application is not directly on the public internet, you should assess your risk. According to Halo Surface Signal, simple-git is a library integrated into your software, not an edge gateway, making direct public-internet exploitation unlikely. However, internal applications that accept input from users or automated systems can still be compromised if those inputs reach the vulnerable code path.

What is the first step to fix this?

The immediate priority is to perform an inventory of your Node.js projects to identify which services are using the affected versions of simple-git. Once you have a list of dependent applications, assign ownership to the relevant teams. From there, you should plan to update the library to a secure version that resolves these command injection flaws and thoroughly test the applications to ensure the update does not disrupt existing Git operations.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.