A newly disclosed AWS security vulnerability has shown how a tiny coding mistake can create a massive risk.
Security researchers found a flaw in Amazon Web Services CodeBuild that could have enabled a major supply chain attack.
The issue affected AWS-managed GitHub repositories used across the cloud industry.
The problem came from just two missing characters in a security filter. Experts say the impact could have reached millions of cloud users if attackers had exploited it.
A Small Coding Error With a Huge Impact
Cloud security firm Wiz discovered the flaw and named it CodeBreach. The issue was found in webhook filters used by AWS CodeBuild. These filters were meant to limit who could trigger build processes.
Four AWS-managed GitHub repositories were affected.
Affected AWS repositories:
- AWS SDK for JavaScript
- AWS Libcrypto
- Amazon Corretto Crypto Provider
- Registry of Open Data on AWS
The regex filter missed the start (^) and end ($) anchor characters. As a result, attackers could bypass security checks by using similar user IDs.
What attackers could have done:
- Trigger unauthorized builds
- Inject malicious code
- Compromise AWS SDK releases
- Attack apps using the AWS Console
Researchers warned that 66% of cloud environments use the AWS JavaScript SDK. A poisoned update could have spread quickly and harvested credentials worldwide.
Also read about: Chainlit Vulnerabilities Expose Enterprise Cloud Risks
AWS Fixes the Issue Quickly
Wiz reported the flaw to AWS in August 2025. AWS acted fast and fixed the problem within two days.
Steps AWS took to secure systems:
- Fixed regex filters
- Revoked exposed access tokens
- Audited all public build systems
- Added memory protection controls
- Introduced new build approval gates
AWS said there was no evidence of abuse. The company confirmed that customer data and services remained safe.
This discovery fits a wider trend. In 2025, several CI/CD pipeline attacks targeted trusted tools. Experts warn that build systems are now prime targets.
Security advice for users:
- Use unique access tokens
- Limit build permissions
- Enable pull request approval checks
This incident shows a clear lesson. Even small mistakes can cause serious risks. The AWS security vulnerability highlights the need for stronger checks in cloud development pipelines.
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