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Findings

CVE-2023-51664

tj-actions/changed-files has Potential Actions command injection in output filenames (GHSL-2023-271)

Published Jan 2, 2024 · corrected/updated Sep 10, 2026 · evidence confidence high

### Summary The workflow allows for command injection in changed filenames, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code and potentially leak secrets. ### Details The [ ](https://github.com/tj-actions/changed-files) action returns a list of files changed in a commit or pull request which provides an input [enabled by default](https://github.com/tj-actions/changed-files/blob/94549999469dbfa032becf298d95c87a14c34394/action.yml#L136), only escapes for JSON values. This could potentially allow filenames that contain special characters such as and \ run GITHUB_TOKEN pull_request push $(whoami).txt List all changed files safe_output (backtick), $, (), etc for bash environments. - A safe recommendation of using environment variables to store unsafe outputs. ### Resources * [Keeping your GitHub Actions and workflows secure Part 2: Untrusted input](https://securitylab.github.com/research/github-actions-untrusted-input/) * [Keeping your GitHub Actions and workflows secure Part 1: Preventing pwn requests](https://securitylab.github.com/research/github-actions-preventing-pwn-requests/)

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-2023-51664 is a high 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: tj-actions/changed-files (0 → 41). 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: CVSS 7.3, EPSS 3.4%. It is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited catalog. Weakness classes: CWE-74, CWE-77. Sources contributing to this record: cve_org, epss, github, 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 CISA KEV or VulnCheck KEV.

  • 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.

Timeline

Detection, updates, and resolution for this record.

  1. Jan 2, 2024 · GitHub Advisory Database

    Detected

    ### Summary The workflow allows for command injection in changed filenames, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code and potentially leak secrets. ### Details The [ ](https://github.com/tj-actions/changed-files) action returns a list of files changed in a commit or pull request which provides an input [enabled by default](https://github.com/tj-actions/changed-files/blob/94549999469dbfa032bec

  2. Sep 10, 2026 · GitHub Advisory Database

    Fix available

    tj-actions/changed-files fixed in 41

  3. Sep 10, 2026 · GitHub Advisory Database

    Fix available

    tj-actions/changed-files fixed in 41

  4. Sep 10, 2026 · GitHub Advisory Database

    Updated

    ### Summary The workflow allows for command injection in changed filenames, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code and potentially leak secrets. ### Details The [ ](https://github.com/tj-actions/changed-files) action returns a list of files changed in a commit or pull request which provides an input [enabled by default](https://github.com/tj-actions/changed-files/blob/94549999469dbfa032bec

Affected

  • GitHub Actions tj-actions/changed-files0 → 41

Sources

References