CVE-2020-14144
HighPublic exploitArbitrary Code Execution in Gitea
Published Apr 22, 2024 · Updated Sep 8, 2026 · Also known as BIT-gitea-2020-14144, GHSA-3h6c-c475-jm7v
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-14144 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.2 v3.1) affecting Gitea, code.gitea.io/gitea (go).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 95% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including code.gitea.io/gitea 1.12.6, Gitea 1.12.6, Gitea <=1.12.5.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v3.1
7.2
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
95%
Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
No known
Not in a known-exploited catalog
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2020-14144 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
The git hook feature in Gitea 1.1.0 through 1.12.5 might allow for authenticated remote code execution in customer environments where the documentation was not understood (e.g., one viewpoint is that the dangerousness of this feature should be documented immediately above the ENABLE_GIT_HOOKS line in the config file). NOTE: The vendor has indicated this is not a vulnerability and states "This is a functionality of the software that is limited to a very limited subset of accounts. If you give someone the privilege to execute arbitrary code on your server, they can execute arbitrary code on your server. We provide very clear warnings to users around this functionality and what it provides.
Affected Products
5 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| GiteaGitea | >= 1.1.0 | 1.12.5 |
| code.gitea.io/giteago | >= 1.1.0 | 1.12.6 |
Patched Releases
code.gitea.io/gitea
1.12.6
Gitea
1.12.6, <=1.12.5
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Apr 22, 2024
Last updated
Sep 8, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')
References
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-14144
- advisoryhttps://www.fzi.de/en/news/news/detail-en/artikel/fsa-2020-3-schwachstelle-in-gitea-1125-und-gogs-0122-ermoeglicht-ausfuehrung-von-code-nach-authent/
- exploitMSF gitea_git_hooks_rce.rb
- exploitMSF gogs_git_hooks_rce.rb
FAQ
Common Questions.
The git hook feature in Gitea 1.1.0 through 1.12.5 might allow for authenticated remote code execution in customer environments where the documentation was not understood (e.g., one viewpoint is that the dangerousness of this feature should be documented immediately above the ENABLE_GIT_HOOKS line in the config file).
Affected: Gitea versions >= 1.1.0; code.gitea.io/gitea (go) versions >= 1.1.0. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including code.gitea.io/gitea 1.12.6, Gitea 1.12.6, Gitea <=1.12.5.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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