# CVE-2020-7596: Codecov npm module command injection in gcov-args

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2020-7596-codecov-npm-module-command-injection-in-gcov-args  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2022-05-24. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2020-7596 · Severity: low · CVSS 3.1 · Published 2022-05-24

Codecov is a code coverage reporting tool used by development teams to track test coverage across their codebases. The npm package contained a command injection vulnerability that allowed attackers to execute arbitrary commands by manipulating the "gcov-args" argument, potentially giving attackers full control over the build environment and access to sensitive credentials stored there.

Technologies: [codecov (npm)](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/codecov). Vendors: [npm](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/npm).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2020-7596 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2020-7596 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2020-7596?** Low severity, with a CVSS score of 3.1, published 24 May 2022.

**Which products and versions are affected?** codecov (npm) SEMVER:introduced=0,fixed=3.6.2.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2020-7596?** Yes. codecov (npm): upgrade to 3.6.2 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2020-7596 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2020-7596?** Check whether you run codecov (npm) at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- codecov (npm): upgrade to 3.6.2 or later

  ```sh
  npm install codecov@3.6.2
  ```


## Technical details

The Codecov npm module before version 3.6.2 fails to properly neutralize special elements in the "gcov-args" input parameter, allowing command injection via improper output handling in a downstream component (CWE-74). An authenticated attacker or malicious build configuration can inject shell metacharacters into the gcov-args argument, which are then executed by the system shell during code coverage processing. This requires either network access to a system running Codecov or control over build configuration/environment. An attacker can achieve arbitrary command execution in the context of the user running Codecov, potentially exfiltrating credentials or compromising the build pipeline. The vulnerability was fixed in version 3.6.2.

## Affected products

- Codecov codecov < 3.6.2

## Identifiers

- CVE-2020-7596
- GHSA-mh2h-6j8q-x246

## Timeline

- 2020-01-25: disclosed: NVD published date
- 3.6.2: patched: Fix version released

## References

- [https://github.com/codecov/codecov-node](https://github.com/codecov/codecov-node)

## Related threats

- [Codecov command injection in upload method](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2020-15123-codecov-command-injection-in-upload-method)
- [codecov NPM module command injection via gcov-root](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2020-7597-codecov-npm-module-command-injection-via-gcov-root)