CVE-2023-27581

Name: CVE-2023-27581
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2023-03-13T21:15:14.037+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10EPSS 1.58%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2023-27581 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. github-slug-action is a GitHub Action to expose slug value of GitHub environment variables inside of one's GitHub workflow. Starting in version 4.0.0` and prior to version 4.4.1, this action uses the `github.head_ref` parameter in an insecure way. EPSS estimates a 1.58% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

github-slug-action is a GitHub Action to expose slug value of GitHub environment variables inside of one's GitHub workflow. Starting in version 4.0.0` and prior to version 4.4.1, this action uses the `github.head_ref` parameter in an insecure way. This vulnerability can be triggered by any user on GitHub on any workflow using the action on pull requests. They just need to create a pull request with a branch name, which can contain the attack payload. This can be used to execute code on the GitHub runners and to exfiltrate any secrets one uses in the CI pipeline. A patched action is available in version 4.4.1. No workaround is available.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

1.58%

72.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-77

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Github-Slug-Action Project	Github-Slug-Action	>= 4.0.0, < 4.4.1

References

https://github.com/rlespinasse/github-slug-action/commit/102b1a064a9b145e56556e22b18b19c624538d94Patch
https://github.com/rlespinasse/github-slug-action/releases/tag/v4.4.1Release Notes
https://github.com/rlespinasse/github-slug-action/security/advisories/GHSA-6q4m-7476-932wVendor Advisory
https://securitylab.github.com/research/github-actions-untrusted-input/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/rlespinasse/github-slug-action/commit/102b1a064a9b145e56556e22b18b19c624538d94Patch
https://github.com/rlespinasse/github-slug-action/releases/tag/v4.4.1Release Notes
https://github.com/rlespinasse/github-slug-action/security/advisories/GHSA-6q4m-7476-932wVendor Advisory
https://securitylab.github.com/research/github-actions-untrusted-input/Exploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Mar 13, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-27581?

How severe is CVE-2023-27581?

CVE-2023-27581 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.58% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-27581?

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.

Are you affected by CVE-2023-27581?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST