Personal Access Token Scope Bypass in GitHub Repository

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-58444 is a vulnerability in Gitea where a personal access token (PAT) or OAuth2 token without proper repository scope can access private repository contents through the repository home page route (GET /{owner}/{repo}). The token may lack repository scope or be marked as public-only, yet it incorrectly gains access to sensitive data like README, file tree, and license details. Other routes properly reject such tokens, but the home page route fails to enforce scope checks.

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Detection Guidance

Check Gitea logs for unauthorized access attempts to private repository home pages via GET /{owner}/{repo}. Monitor for tokens with insufficient scopes accessing sensitive endpoints. Review access logs for tokens without repository scope retrieving README, file tree, or other private data.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability allows unauthorized users with limited token scopes to view private repository contents, potentially exposing sensitive project details, intellectual property, or confidential information. Attackers could exploit this to gather data without proper authorization, leading to data leaks or security breaches.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to private data, violating compliance requirements under GDPR, HIPAA, or other regulations that mandate strict access controls and data protection. Organizations using Gitea may face legal and regulatory penalties due to potential data exposure.

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Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest Gitea security patch addressing CVE-2026-58444. Ensure all personal access tokens have the correct repository scope. Review and revoke any tokens that lack proper scopes. Implement additional monitoring for suspicious access patterns to private repositories.

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