CVE-2020-26284: Hugo is a fast and Flexible Static Site Generator built in Go. Hugo depends on Go's `os/exec` for certain features, e.g. for rendering of Pandoc docum...

Description

Hugo is a fast and Flexible Static Site Generator built in Go. Hugo depends on Go's `os/exec` for certain features, e.g. for rendering of Pandoc documents if these binaries are found in the system `%PATH%` on Windows. In Hugo before version 0.79.1, if a malicious file with the same name (`exe` or `bat`) is found in the current working directory at the time of running `hugo`, the malicious command will be invoked instead of the system one. Windows users who run `hugo` inside untrusted Hugo sites are affected. Users should upgrade to Hugo v0.79.1. Other than avoiding untrusted Hugo sites, there is no workaround.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

1.45%

70.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Gohugo	Hugo	< 0.79.1

References

https://github.com/gohugoio/hugo/security/advisories/GHSA-8j34-9876-pvfqPatch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/golang/go/issues/38736Exploit, Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/gohugoio/hugo/security/advisories/GHSA-8j34-9876-pvfqPatch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/golang/go/issues/38736Exploit, Patch, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Dec 21, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-26284?

Hugo is a fast and Flexible Static Site Generator built in Go. Hugo depends on Go's `os/exec` for certain features, e.g. for rendering of Pandoc documents if these binaries are found in the system `%PATH%` on Windows. In Hugo before version 0.79.1, if a malicious file with the same name (`exe` or `bat`) is found in the current working directory at the time of running `hugo`, the malicious command will be invoked instead of the system one. Windows users who run `hugo` inside untrusted Hugo sites are affected. Users should upgrade to Hugo v0.79.1. Other than avoiding untrusted Hugo sites, there is no workaround.

How severe is CVE-2020-26284?

CVE-2020-26284 has a CVSS score of 8.5/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.45% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-26284?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

How Strix Helps

Related CVEs from 2020

View all 2020CVEs →