In the Eclipse Theia Website repository, the GitHub Actions workflow .github/workflows/preview.yml used pull_request_target trigger while checking out...
Description
In the Eclipse Theia Website repository, the GitHub Actions workflow .github/workflows/preview.yml used pull_request_target trigger while checking out and executing untrusted pull request code. This allowed any GitHub user to execute arbitrary code in the repository's CI environment with access to repository secrets and a GITHUB_TOKEN with extensive write permissions (contents:write, packages:write, pages:write, actions:write). An attacker could exfiltrate secrets, publish malicious packages to the eclipse-theia organization, modify the official Theia website, and push malicious code to the repository.
AI Analyst Comment
Remediation
Update In the Eclipse Theia Website Multiple Products to the latest version. Monitor for exploitation attempts and review access logs.
Executive Summary:
A critical vulnerability exists in the Eclipse Theia Website's automated software build process that could allow an attacker to execute malicious code. By submitting a specially crafted pull request, an unauthorized user could gain extensive control over the project's environment, enabling them to steal sensitive secrets, modify the official website, and inject malicious code into the repository. This flaw represents a complete compromise of the affected system's integrity and confidentiality.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-ID: CVE-2026-1699
Affected Software: In the Eclipse Theia Website Multiple Products
Affected Versions: See vendor advisory for specific affected versions
Vulnerability: The vulnerability lies within a GitHub Actions workflow file (
.github/workflows/preview.yml) which improperly uses thepull_request_targettrigger. This trigger is designed to run workflows with access to the base repository's secrets and a privilegedGITHUB_TOKEN, even for pull requests from forked repositories. The workflow dangerously combines this trigger with steps that check out and execute code from the untrusted pull request, creating a code injection vector. An attacker can exploit this by submitting a pull request containing malicious commands, which are then executed within the trusted CI/CD environment, granting them access to repository secrets and write permissions to packages, pages, and the repository itself.Business Impact
This vulnerability is rated as critical severity with a CVSS score of 10, indicating the highest possible risk. Successful exploitation could lead to severe business consequences, including a full-scale supply chain attack where malicious packages are published under the trusted Eclipse Theia organization name, impacting downstream users. An attacker could also deface the official website, causing significant reputational damage, or inject backdoors into the source code, compromising the integrity of the product. The exfiltration of repository secrets could lead to further compromise of related infrastructure and services, resulting in significant data breaches and financial loss.
Remediation Plan
Immediate Action: Update In the Eclipse Theia Website Multiple Products to the latest version immediately to apply the necessary security patch that corrects the flawed GitHub Actions workflow. After patching, conduct a thorough review of access logs and GitHub audit logs for any signs of exploitation attempts that may have occurred prior to remediation.
Proactive Monitoring: Monitor GitHub Actions workflow logs for any unusual commands, unexpected script executions, or outbound network connections to suspicious endpoints. Implement alerts for pull requests submitted by new or unknown contributors that modify workflow files. Regularly scan public package repositories for any unauthorized or malicious packages published under the organization's name.
Compensating Controls: If immediate patching is not feasible, temporarily disable the vulnerable
.github/workflows/preview.ymlworkflow to close the attack vector. Rotate all secrets stored in the repository's GitHub secrets configuration as they should be considered compromised. Implement a policy requiring manual review and approval by a trusted maintainer before any workflows are run on external pull requests.Exploitation Status
Public Exploit Available: false
Analyst Notes: As of the published date, Jan 30, 2026, there are no known public exploits or active exploitation campaigns targeting this vulnerability. However, the attack pattern involving the misuse of
pull_request_targetis well-documented, and proof-of-concept exploits can be developed with minimal effort by skilled threat actors.Analyst Recommendation
Given the critical CVSS score of 10 and the potential for a complete compromise of the CI/CD pipeline and repository, organizations must treat this vulnerability with the highest urgency. The primary recommendation is to apply the vendor-supplied patches immediately. Following the update, a comprehensive security audit is crucial to identify any signs of historical compromise, including unauthorized code commits, malicious package publications, or secret exfiltration. Although not currently on the CISA KEV list, the severity of this vulnerability warrants immediate and decisive action to prevent a potentially devastating security incident.