> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/appsec-rules/ci-cd-security/data-protection/appsec-cicd-88.md).

# Private repository made public

## Rule Details

|                       |                  |
| --------------------- | ---------------- |
| Cortex AppSec Rule ID | APPSEC\_CICD\_88 |
| Category              | Data Protection  |
| Severity              | CRITICAL         |

## Impact

A private repository made public allows anyone to access the source code in the repository and to retrieve hard-coded credentials and potentially sensitive information. An attacker may also be able to perform a Public-PPE (3PE) attack and reach the production environment. For more on 3PE refer to <https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/prisma-cloud/poisoned-pipeline-execution-deep-dive/>.

Note that the severity of this risk is reduced on self hosted instances that are not accessible over the internet.

## Recommended Solution - Buildtime

Verify the reason for changing the repository’s visibility. If necessary, revert the repository visibility back to “private”. For more refer to <https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/managing-your-repositorys-settings-and-features/managing-repository-settings/setting-repository-visibility#changing-a-repositorys-visibility>


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