Sourcetree for Mac: Improper Privilege Management
CVE-2025-22165 is a high-severity improper privilege management vulnerability in Sourcetree for Mac from Atlassian, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Sourcetree for Mac versions: All versions from 4.2.8 to 4.2.11 inclusive. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.16% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Sourcetree for Mac you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on jira.atlassian.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlassian | Sourcetree for Mac | All versions from 4.2.8 to 4.2.11 inclusive | Not stated |
| Atlassian | Sourcetree | 4.2.8 through 4.2.12 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 5.9 | Medium | CNA (atlassian.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.3 | High | NVD |
Official description
This Medium severity ACE (Arbitrary Code Execution) vulnerability was introduced in version 4.2.8 of Sourcetree for Mac. This ACE (Arbitrary Code Execution) vulnerability, with a CVSS Score of 5.9, allows a locally authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code which has high impact to confidentiality, high impact to integrity, high impact to availability, and requires user interaction. Atlassian recommends that Sourcetree for Mac users upgrade to the latest version. If you are unable to do so, upgrade your instance to one of the specified supported fixed versions. See the release notes https://www.sourcetreeapp.com/download-archives . You can download the latest version of Sourcetree for Mac from the download center https://www.sourcetreeapp.com/download-archives . This vulnerability was found through the Atlassian Bug Bounty Program by Karol Mazurek (AFINE).
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Privilege Management
The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
- Consider following the principle of separation of privilege. Require multiple conditions to be met before permitting access to a system resource.
More Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities (CWE-269)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- jira.atlassian.com/browse/SRCTREE-8217Issue Tracking
Other vulnerabilities in Sourcetree for Mac
- 8.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities
- 7.4 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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