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CVE-2021-32724

CriticalCVSS 9.9 / 10
Published Sep 9, 2021·Last modified Mar 13, 2026
Affected Components(0)

No affected components available

Description

check-spelling is a github action which provides CI spell checking. In affected versions and for a repository with the check-spelling action enabled that triggers on pull_request_target (or schedule), an attacker can send a crafted Pull Request that causes a GITHUB_TOKEN to be exposed. With the GITHUB_TOKEN, it's possible to push commits to the repository bypassing standard approval processes. Commits to the repository could then steal any/all secrets available to the repository. As a workaround users may can either: Disable the workflow until you've fixed all branches or Set repository to Allow specific actions. check-spelling isn't a verified creator and it certainly won't be anytime soon. You could then explicitly add other actions that your repository uses. Set repository Workflow permissions to Read repository contents permission. Workflows using check-spelling/check-spelling@main will get the fix automatically. Workflows using a pinned sha or tagged version will need to change the affected workflows for all repository branches to the latest version. Users can verify who and which Pull Requests have been running the action by looking up the spelling.yml action in the Actions tab of their repositories, e.g., https://github.com/check-spelling/check-spelling/actions/workflows/spelling.yml - you can filter PRs by adding ?query=event%3Apull_request_target, e.g., https://github.com/check-spelling/check-spelling/actions/workflows/spelling.yml?query=event%3Apull_request_target.

Risk Scores
Base Score
9.9

The vulnerability can be exploited over the network without needing physical access. It is easy for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability. An attacker needs basic access or low-level privileges. No user interaction is needed for the attacker to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability can affect other systems as well, not just the initial system. There is a high impact on the confidentiality of the information. There is a high impact on the integrity of the data. There is a high impact on the availability of the system.

Threat Intelligence
9.4

Active exploitation in the wild has been confirmed. Immediate patching or mitigation is required.

EPSS
2.33%

The exploit probability is very low. The vulnerability is unlikely to be exploited in the next 30 days.

Exploit
Proof of Concept

A proof of concept is available for this vulnerability (1 exploit found).

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