reviewdog/action-setup GitHub Action Embedded Malicious Code
CVE-2025-30154 is a high-severity embedded malicious code vulnerability in reviewdog, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.6 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected reviewdog versions: = 1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on March 24, 2025, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Action-ast-grep to 1.26.2 or a later version.
- Update Action-composite-template to 0.20.2 or a later version.
- Update Action-shellcheck to 1.29.2 or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply mitigations as set forth in the CISA instructions linked below. Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reviewdog | reviewdog | = 1 | Not stated |
| Reviewdog | Action-ast-grep | before 1.26.2 | 1.26.2 |
| Reviewdog | Action-composite-template | before 0.20.2 | 0.20.2 |
| Reviewdog | Action-setup | 1 | Not stated |
| Reviewdog | Action-shellcheck | before 1.29.2 | 1.29.2 |
| Reviewdog | Action-staticcheck | before 1.26.2 | 1.26.2 |
| Reviewdog | Action-typos | before 1.17.2 | 1.17.2 |
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
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.6 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.6 | High | NVD |
Official description
reviewdog/action-setup is a GitHub action that installs reviewdog. reviewdog/action-setup@v1 was compromised March 11, 2025, between 18:42 and 20:31 UTC, with malicious code added that dumps exposed secrets to Github Actions Workflow Logs. Other reviewdog actions that use `reviewdog/action-setup@v1` that would also be compromised, regardless of version or pinning method, are reviewdog/action-shellcheck, reviewdog/action-composite-template, reviewdog/action-staticcheck, reviewdog/action-ast-grep, and reviewdog/action-typos.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Embedded Malicious Code
The product contains code that appears to be malicious in nature.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Remove the malicious code and start an effort to ensure that no more malicious code exists. This may require a detailed review of all code, as it is possible to hide a serious attack in only one or two lines of code. These lines may be located almost anywhere in an application and may have been intentionally obfuscated by the attacker.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Patches and release notes
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2025-30154US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- wiz.io/blog/new-github-action-supply-chain-attack-reviewdog-action-setupExploit, Third Party Advisory
Recent Embedded Malicious Code vulnerabilities
- 8.6 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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