AWS CLI: cli_history database does not restrict file permissions on Unix systems
Summary AWS CLI is a command line tool for interacting with AWS services. When the cli_history feature is enabled, the history database file is created with default permissions, potentially allowing other local users on a multi-user system to read the file.
Impact When cli_history is enabled, AWS CLI stores command history including command parameters and API request/response data in a local SQLite database. On multi-user Unix systems, the default file permissions may allow other local users to read this file, potentially exposing sensitive information. This issue only affects users who have explicitly enabled cli_history, which is disabled by default.
Impacted versions: 1.13.0 - 1.44.37 (v1), 2.0.0 - 2.33.20 (v2)
Patches This issue has been addressed in the latest versions 2.33.21 and 1.44.38 of AWS CLI. We recommend upgrading to the latest version and ensuring any forked or derivative code is patched to incorporate the new fixes.
Workarounds
Users can manually set restrictive permissions on the history database file. Alternatively, disable cli_history by removing cli_history = enabled from the AWS config file.
Resources If there are any questions or comments about this advisory, contact AWS Security via the vulnerability reporting page or directly via email to aws-security@amazon.com. Please do not create a public GitHub issue.
Affected software
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| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python (PyPI) | awscli | >= 1.13.0, < 1.44.38 | 1.44.38 |
References
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-276- Platform
- Python (PyPI)
- Package
awscli- Disclosed
- 27.02.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 15:17
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-747p-wmpv-9c78 - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: awscli
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Python (PyPI)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 3
- First → latest
- 02.2026 08.2026
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Medium 3
Disclosures per year
- 2026: 3
-
AWS CLI: cli_history database does not restrict file permissions on Unix systems this entry
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