Critical CVE-2025-46334 Vulnerability in Git GUI for Windows: How to Protect Your System

In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, security vulnerabilities pose significant risks to both developers and end-users. A recent critical vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-46334, has been discovered in Git GUI for Windows, highlighting the importance of vigilance and prompt action in maintaining software integrity.

Understanding CVE-2025-46334​

CVE-2025-46334 pertains to a security flaw in Git GUI, a graphical interface for Git on Windows systems. This vulnerability allows a malicious repository to include versions of sh.exe or typical text conversion filter programs, such as astextplain, within the repository's worktree. On Windows, the system's path lookup can inadvertently execute these malicious executables when users select options like "Git Bash" or "Browse Files" from the menu. This behavior can lead to unauthorized code execution, compromising the security of the system.

Technical Details​

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the way Git GUI handles executable files within a repository's worktree. When a user interacts with the repository through Git GUI, the application may inadvertently execute malicious versions of sh.exe or text conversion filters present in the repository. This execution occurs due to the Windows operating system's path lookup behavior, which can prioritize executables in the current directory over those in standard system paths.
This issue is reminiscent of a previous vulnerability, CVE-2022-41953, where Git GUI would automatically run a spell checker called aspell.exe if found in the repository's top-level directory. In that case, the design of Tcl/Tk on Windows included the current directory in the search path for executables, allowing malicious repositories to execute arbitrary code through a crafted aspell.exe file. The vulnerability was addressed in Git for Windows version 2.39.1. (github.blog)

Impact and Risks​

The exploitation of CVE-2025-46334 can have severe consequences, including:

• Unauthorized Code Execution: Attackers can execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the user running Git GUI, potentially leading to system compromise.
• Data Breach: Sensitive information stored on the system may be accessed or exfiltrated by malicious actors.
• System Integrity Compromise: The integrity of the affected system can be undermined, leading to further exploitation or disruption of services.

Given the high severity of this vulnerability, it is imperative for users and organizations to take immediate action to mitigate potential risks.

Mitigation Strategies​

To protect against CVE-2025-46334, the following steps are recommended:

• Update Git GUI: Ensure that you are using the latest version of Git for Windows, as updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities.
• Exercise Caution with Untrusted Repositories: Avoid cloning or interacting with repositories from untrusted sources, as they may contain malicious executables designed to exploit this vulnerability.
• Review Repository Contents: Before executing any commands or scripts within a cloned repository, inspect its contents for unexpected or suspicious files, especially executables like sh.exe or text conversion filters.
• Configure Execution Policies: Implement strict execution policies on your system to prevent unauthorized executables from running, particularly those located in user-accessible directories.

Broader Implications​

The discovery of CVE-2025-46334 underscores the ongoing challenges in software security, particularly in the context of open-source tools widely used in development workflows. It highlights the need for continuous vigilance, prompt patching of vulnerabilities, and the adoption of best practices in software development and deployment.
Moreover, this vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the underlying behaviors of software components and their interactions with the operating system. Developers and users alike must be aware of how path lookups and executable handling can be exploited, emphasizing the need for secure coding practices and thorough security assessments.

Conclusion​

CVE-2025-46334 represents a significant security concern for users of Git GUI on Windows. By understanding the nature of this vulnerability and implementing the recommended mitigation strategies, individuals and organizations can safeguard their systems against potential exploitation. Staying informed about such vulnerabilities and maintaining a proactive approach to software security is essential in today's digital landscape.

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Source: MSRC Security Update Guide - Microsoft Security Response Center