The Git version shipped with Apple's command line developer tools is vulnerable to remote code execution attacks The OS X command line developer tools include an old version of the Git source code management system that exposes Mac users to remote code execution attacks.The Git client allows developers to interact with source code repositories. It is not installed by default on Mac OS X, but it is included in the Command Line Tools package for Xcode, Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE).Software developers who create applications for OS X or iOS are likely to use Xcode and to have Apple’s Command Line Tools package installed on their Macs. The latest version of this package includes Git version 2.6.4, released in December.The problem is that Git 2.6.4 has two serious vulnerabilities that were publicly disclosed last month. The flaws, tracked as CVE-2016-2315 and CVE-2016-2324, affect both client and server deployments on Git. On the client side, they could lead to remote code execution when cloning a repository with a large filename or a large number of nested trees. The vulnerabilities were fixed in Git 2.7.4, released on March 17, but one month later Apple still hasn’t released an update to its Command Line Tools package.Even worse, since the Git binary is installed as a system-level program, on OS X El Capitan (10.11) users can’t easily replace or update it themselves, according to systems administration expert Rachel Kroll. That’s because Apple’s latest OS X version includes System Integrity Protection (SIP), a mechanism that prevents modifying programs in certain protected directories like /usr and /bin, even with root privileges. “Maybe you want to be clever and protect your users by disabling it until you can figure something else out,” Kroll said in a blog post. “Well, sorry. You also can’t ‘chmod -x’ to at least keep it from being used. It will also fail.”Fortunately, there is a workaround, because /usr/bin/git is just a clever link to /Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer/usr/bin, which can be modified. Running “chmod -x” on the latter binary will remove its execution privileges and ensure that no users or programs accidentally run it.Then you have to wait until Apple releases a patched version as part of a future Command Line Tools package. However, Git is important for development tools and preventing its use could affect workflows.Apple did not immediately respond to an inquiry about its plans of patching the Git binary that the company distributes.“If you rely on machines like this, I am truly sorry,” Kroll said. “I feel for you.” Related content news analysis Water system attacks spark calls for cybersecurity regulation The Iranian CyberAv3ngers group’s simplistic exploitation of Unitronics PLCs highlights the cybersecurity weaknesses in US water utilities, the need to get devices disconnected from the internet, and renewed interest in regulation. By Cynthia Brumfield Dec 11, 2023 11 mins Regulation Cyberattacks Critical Infrastructure feature Accenture takes an industrialized approach to safeguarding its cloud controls Security was once a hindrance for Accenture developers. But since centralizing the company's compliance controls, the process has never been simpler. By Aimee Chanthadavong Dec 11, 2023 8 mins Application Security Cloud Security Compliance news analysis LogoFAIL attack can inject malware in the firmware of many computers Researchers have shown how attackers can deliver malicious code into the UEFI of many PCs though BIOS splash screen graphics. By Lucian Constantin Dec 08, 2023 8 mins Malware Vulnerabilities news Google expands minimum security guidelines for third-party vendors Google's updated Minimum Viable Secure Product (MVSP) program offers advice for working with researchers and warns against vendors charging extra for basic security features. By John P. Mello Jr. Dec 08, 2023 4 mins Application Security Supply Chain Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe