Full Report
A vulnerability in Google's Gemini CLI allowed attackers to silently execute malicious commands and exfiltrate data from developers' computers using allowlisted programs. [...]
Analysis Summary
# Vulnerability: Stealthy Code Execution in Gemini CLI AI Coding Assistant
## CVE Details
- CVE ID: Not explicitly provided in the text.
- CVSS Score: Not explicitly provided in the text.
- CWE: Not explicitly provided in the text.
## Affected Systems
- Products: Gemini CLI AI coding assistant (package likely `@google/gemini-cli`).
- Versions: Versions prior to 0.1.14.
- Configurations: Vulnerable when configured with specific command allow-listing that attackers can influence.
## Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability resides in the Gemini CLI tool, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code stealthily. This occurs because the tool processes output that can be manipulated (e.g., through added whitespace) to hide malicious commands, leading to execution without the user realizing it. This is effectively a form of prompt injection leading to command execution based on manipulated tool output.
## Exploitation
- Status: Proof-of-Concept (PoC) available (demonstrated by Tracebit).
- Complexity: Likely Medium, as it requires specific prerequisites like allow-listed commands.
- Attack Vector: Likely Network (delivery of malicious input/output processed by the CLI).
## Impact
The impact severity metrics (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) are not explicitly scored, but successful exploitation could lead to:
- Confidentiality: Potential for silent data exfiltration.
- Integrity: Execution of arbitrary code leading to system modification.
- Availability: Potential denial of service, depending on the executed payload.
## Remediation
### Patches
- Upgrade to **version 0.1.14** or later of the Gemini CLI package (`@google/gemini-cli`).
### Workarounds
- Avoid running the tool against unknown or untrusted codebases.
- Run the tool only in sandboxed environments if usage against untrusted code is required.
## Detection
- **Indicators of compromise:** Unexpected processes running, unauthorized file access, or network connections originating from environments where the Gemini CLI operates.
- **Detection methods and tools:** Monitoring execution contexts where the Gemini CLI is active for suspicious chained commands or post-processing file modifications.
## References
- Vendor advisories: Not explicitly linked, but the package repository link might serve as a reference.
- Relevant links - defanged:
- bleepingcomputer dot com/news/security/flaw-in-gemini-cli-ai-coding-assistant-allowed-stealthy-code-execution/
- npmjs dot com/package/@google/gemini-cli
- bleepingcomputer dot com/news/security/zero-click-ai-data-leak-flaw-uncovered-in-microsoft-365-copilot/ (For analogous risk context)