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 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.
Timeline
Detection, updates, and resolution for this record.
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
Sep 10, 2026 · GitHub Advisory Database
Fix available
tj-actions/changed-files fixed in 41
Sep 10, 2026 · GitHub Advisory Database
Fix available
tj-actions/changed-files fixed in 41
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
- CVE.orgVulnerability recordCVE-2023-51664
Official CVE identifier
cve.org - FIRST EPSSExploitation probabilityCVE-2023-51664
30-day exploitation probability 3.4%
first.org - GitHub Advisory DatabasePackage advisoryGHSA-mcph-m25j-8j63
GitHub Advisory Database record mirrored by OSV.
github.com - OSV.devPackage advisoryGHSA-mcph-m25j-8j63
tj-actions/changed-files has Potential Actions command injection in output filenames (GHSL-2023-271)
osv.dev