# CVE-2024-40641: Unsigned code template execution through workflows in projectdiscovery/nuclei

> Attackers can execute arbitrary commands by bypassing signature checks in Nuclei workflows, affecting tools that integrate this scanner.

- **Severity:** High 7.4 (`CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N`)
- **Exploited in the wild:** Not known
- **Login needed:** Not needed
- **Attackable:** Local or same network only
- **Victim action needed:** A user has to click or open something
- **Fix available:** Yes
- **Published:** 17 Jul 2024
- **Updated:** 13 Aug 2024
- **Also known as:** GHSA-c3q9-c27p-cw9h, GO-2024-2989

## What is CVE-2024-40641?

CVE-2024-40641 is a high-severity command injection vulnerability in projectdiscovery nuclei, published on 17 Jul 2024. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

### Official description

Nuclei is a fast and customizable vulnerability scanner based on simple YAML based DSL.  In affected versions it a way to execute code template without -code option and signature has been discovered. Some web applications inherit from Nuclei and allow users to edit and execute workflow files. In this case, users can execute arbitrary commands. (Although, as far as I know, most web applications use -t to execute). This issue has been addressed in version 3.3.0. Users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.

Weakness: CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command)

## Which versions are affected by CVE-2024-40641?

5 open source packages ship an affected version, including github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v3, github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei and github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v2.


| Package | Ecosystem | Affected | Fixed in |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v3` | Go | All versions | 3.3.0 |
| `github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v3` | Go | All versions | 3.3.0 |
| `github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v3` | Go | All versions | 3.3.0 |
| `github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei` | Go | All versions | None |
| `github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v2` | Go | All versions | None |

## How do I fix CVE-2024-40641?

Upgrade github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v3 to 3.3.0 or later.

## Is CVE-2024-40641 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2024-40641 exists.

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
Check this codebase for CVE-2024-40641 and fix it if it is affected.

What it is: CVE-2024-40641 is a high-severity command injection vulnerability in projectdiscovery nuclei, published on 17 Jul 2024. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Exploitation: It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2024-40641 exists.

Affected packages and fixed versions:
- github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v3 (Go): affected all versions; fixed in 3.3.0
- github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v3 (Go): affected all versions; fixed in 3.3.0
- github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v3 (Go): affected all versions; fixed in 3.3.0
- github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei (Go): affected all versions; no fix listed
- github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v2 (Go): affected all versions; no fix listed

Task:
1. Search the dependency manifests and lockfiles (for example package.json, package-lock.json, requirements.txt, poetry.lock, uv.lock, pom.xml, build.gradle, go.mod, Cargo.lock, Gemfile.lock) and any Dockerfiles for the affected packages, including transitive dependencies.
2. If an affected version is in use, upgrade it to the fixed version for its release line with the project's package manager, so the lockfile is regenerated. Prefer the smallest upgrade that fixes it.
3. If there is no fix, or the upgrade would break the build, do not guess: explain the risk and the safest workaround instead.
4. Run the tests and summarise what changed and why.
5. If nothing in the project is affected, say so and change nothing.

Reference: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2024-40641/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2024-40641/index.md)
```

## Sources

- CVE record: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2024-40641
- NVD: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-40641
- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/CVE-2024-40641

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2024-40641/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.