PHP_CodeSniffer gitblame report command injection via crafted filename
Impact
PHP_CodeSniffer versions before v3.13.6 and v4.0.2 contain a command injection vulnerability in the code creating the Gitblame, Hgblame and Svnblame report(s).
As a result, running PHP_CodeSniffer over untrusted files, for example, in a CI pipeline that scans pull requests, or on a developer machine reviewing third-party code, could result in attacker-controlled shell commands being executed when the Gitblame, Hgblame or Svnblame report(s) would process a file whose name contains shell metacharacters.
- Users using the default
Fullreport, or any of the other non-*blame reports, are not affected. - Users on a runtime platform which does not allow filenames to contain shell metacharacters, such as
"and;, are not affected.
Patched versions
The issue has been fixed in PHP_CodeSniffer v3.13.6 and v4.0.2. We recommend all users upgrade to these versions at their earliest convenience.
Workaround
Users of PHP_CodeSniffer who cannot upgrade immediately should ensure they do not use the Gitblame, Hgblame or the Svnblame reports when scanning untrusted code.
This is especially relevant for CI jobs, pre-commit or review tooling, automated review services, and any service that scans untrusted repositories or uploaded source trees.
Credits
Many thanks to both @Faze-up and @edorian for responsibly disclosing this vulnerability.
How can I report a security bug?
Please report security vulnerabilities privately via the "Security and quality" tab on the PHP_CodeSniffer repository.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composer package | squizlabs/php_codesniffer | < 3.13.6, >= 4.0.0, < 4.0.2 | 3.13.6, 4.0.2 |
References
- https://github.com/PHPCSStandards/PHP_CodeSniffer/security/advisories/GHSA-hmqg-cxww-wqhq
- https://github.com/PHPCSStandards/PHP_CodeSniffer/pull/1473
- https://github.com/PHPCSStandards/PHP_CodeSniffer/commit/7a3a6bbf153a03fa3a9413afc60bded6b764e76b
- https://github.com/PHPCSStandards/PHP_CodeSniffer/commit/f0e1ebb0563f0e5d7f190497a787bcaf8474f3fe
- https://github.com/FriendsOfPHP/security-advisories/blob/master/squizlabs/php_codesniffer/CVE-2026-67434.yaml
- https://github.com/PHPCSStandards/PHP_CodeSniffer
- https://github.com/PHPCSStandards/PHP_CodeSniffer/releases/tag/3.13.6
- https://github.com/PHPCSStandards/PHP_CodeSniffer/releases/tag/4.0.2
- CVSS vector
CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-78- Platform
- Composer
- Package
squizlabs/php_codesniffer- Disclosed
- 06.08.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-hmqg-cxww-wqhq - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: squizlabs/php_codesniffer
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Composer package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 3
- First → latest
- 03.2022 08.2026
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- High 3
Disclosures per year
- 2022: 2
- 2023: 0
- 2024: 0
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 1
-
PHP_CodeSniffer gitblame report command injection via crafted filename this entry
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