Vulnerability Description
libgit2 versions before 1.8.7 and 1.9.0 before 1.9.7 built with the libssh2 SSH backend (USE_SSH=libssh2) contain a shell command injection vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on an SSH server by supplying a repository path containing unescaped shell metacharacters such as single quotes, semicolons, or pipes. The gen_proto() function in ssh_libssh2.c inserts the repository path directly into a shell command string without escaping special characters before passing it to libssh2_channel_exec(), enabling an attacker to craft a malicious submodule URL in a .gitmodules file that, when processed during a recursive clone, causes the remote server's shell to interpret injected commands under the victim's SSH user account.
CVSS Score
HIGH
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/libgit2/libgit2/security/advisories/GHSA-xqj4-2j5v-rr75
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/libgit2-shell-command-injection-via-ssh-lib
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-5917?
CVE-2026-5917 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH). libgit2 versions before 1.8.7 and 1.9.0 before 1.9.7 built with the libssh2 SSH backend (USE_SSH=libssh2) contain a shell command injection vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitr...
How severe is CVE-2026-5917?
CVE-2026-5917 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 8.8/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-5917?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.