CVE-2018-10857
git-annex private data exfiltration to compromised remote
Published Nov 14, 2025 · corrected/updated Feb 4, 2026 · evidence confidence high
# *git-annex* private data exfiltration to compromised remote Some uses of git-annex were vulnerable to a private data exposure and exfiltration attack. It could expose the content of files located outside the *git-annex* repository, or content from a private web server on localhost or the LAN. Joey Hess discovered this attack. To perform this attack, the attacker needs to have control over one of the remotes of the victim's *git-annex* repository. For example, they may provide a public *git-annex* repository that the victim clones. Or, equivalantly, the attacker could have read access to the victim's *git-annex* repository or a repository it pushes to, and some channel to get commits into it (e.g. pull requests). These exploits are most likely to succeed when the victim is running the assistant, or is periodically running . To perform the attack the attacker runs and commits this to the repository in some out of the way place. After the victim's git repository receives that change, follows the attacker-provided URL to the private data, which it stores in the *git-annex* repository. From there it transfers the content to the remote *git-annex* repository that the attacker has access to. As well as URLs, the attacker can use URLs to private web servers. The URL can also be one that the attacker controls, that redirects to a URL that is accessible to the victim system (and not necessarily the compromised remote). ## Fix The issue was fixed by making refuse to follow urls and URLs pointing to private/local IP addresses by default. Two new configuration settings, and , can relax this security policy, and are intended for cases where the *git-annex* repository is kept private and so the attack does not apply. ## Impact on external special remotes One variant of this issue can exploit a vulnerable external special remote, and could not be prevented by . ( 's own built-in special remotes are not vulnerable to this attack.) In this attack variant, the attacker guesses the h
Grounded briefings
Catalog interpretations for three audiences. Each brief cites ingested metadata and the original advisories below. They are not independent research and they do not invent exploit steps.
Executive
CVE-2018-10857 is a unknown public vulnerability record for this product. It is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited catalog. Check the linked vendor or CERT advisories for patch status. This summary is a catalog interpretation of the ingested metadata and cites the original advisories below.
System administrator
Identify whether this product is in your estate, then compare installed versions with the affected ranges. Affected packages or ranges on record: git-annex (0 → 6.20180626). Check the linked vendor or CERT advisories for patch status. Prefer the vendor or distribution advisory linked in Sources before changing production systems. This is a catalog interpretation, not a runbook.
Security analyst
Signals on file: EPSS 1.5%. It is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited catalog. Sources contributing to this record: cve_org, epss, osv. Public exploit references, when present, are outbound links only and are not proof of active exploitation. This is a catalog interpretation of stored metadata.
Exploitation and remediation
Exploitation evidence
Not listed as known exploited in CISA KEV. Not in the CISA KEV catalog.
Patch and remediation
No required-action text is stored yet. Use the vendor or CERT links in Sources for patch availability.
Safe detection guidance
Compare installed versions with the affected ranges below and verify the advisory from the original publisher. This site stores metadata and outbound links only; it does not ship exploit code or proof-of-concept payloads.
Code
The project this record applies to. Exploit listings stay in References.
No public source repository is identified for this product.
Timeline
Detection, updates, and resolution for this record.
Nov 14, 2025 · OSV.dev
Detected
# *git-annex* private data exfiltration to compromised remote Some uses of git-annex were vulnerable to a private data exposure and exfiltration attack. It could expose the content of files located outside the *git-annex* repository, or content from a private web server on localhost or the LAN. Joey Hess discovered this attack. To perform this attack, the attacker needs to have control over one of
Feb 4, 2026 · OSV.dev
Fix available
git-annex fixed in 6.20180626
Feb 4, 2026 · OSV.dev
Fix available
git-annex fixed in 6.20180626
Feb 4, 2026 · OSV.dev
Updated
# *git-annex* private data exfiltration to compromised remote Some uses of git-annex were vulnerable to a private data exposure and exfiltration attack. It could expose the content of files located outside the *git-annex* repository, or content from a private web server on localhost or the LAN. Joey Hess discovered this attack. To perform this attack, the attacker needs to have control over one of
Affected
- Hackage git-annex0 → 6.20180626