CVE-2021-32724: check-spelling is a github action which provides CI spell checking

Q: How do I fix CVE-2021-32724?

check-spelling: upgrade to 0.0.19. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2021-32724 being exploited?

CVE-2021-32724 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2021-32724 affect?

CVE-2021-32724 affects check-spelling. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.9). check-spelling is a github action which provides CI spell checking. In affected versions and for a repository with the [check-spelling action](https://github.com/marketplace/actions/check-spelling) enabled that triggers on `pull_request_tar

Q: How urgent is CVE-2021-32724?

Priority 56/100. Critical severity

This month

CRITICAL 9.9UPGRADE

CVE-2021-32724 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.9) affecting check-spelling. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

check-spelling is a github action which provides CI spell checking. In affected versions and for a repository with the [check-spelling action](https://github.com/marketplace/actions/check-spelling) enabled that triggers on `pull_request_target` (or `schedule`), an attacker can send a crafted Pull Request that causes a `GITHUB_TOKEN` to be exposed. With the `GITHUB_TOKEN`, it's possible to push commits to the repository bypassing standard approval

Why this priority

Critical severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.9 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.3% (top 16%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-532
Published	2021-09-09
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: check-spelling

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-09-09 21:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:53 UTCUpdated Record last modified

check-spelling check-spelling UPGRADE

Affected: < 0.0.19

Fixed in: 0.0.19

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy check-spelling || rpm -q check-spelling || check-spelling --version

2. UPGRADE to 0.0.19 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade check-spelling

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade check-spelling

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2021-32724?

check-spelling: upgrade to 0.0.19. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-32724 being exploited?

CVE-2021-32724 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2021-32724 affect?

CVE-2021-32724 affects check-spelling. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.9). check-spelling is a github action which provides CI spell checking. In affected versions and for a repository with the [check-spelling action](https://github.com/marketplace/actions/check-spelling) enabled that triggers on `pull_request_tar

How urgent is CVE-2021-32724?

Priority 56/100. Critical severity

Software pages

GitHub vulnerabilities

References

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