CVE-2026-71556
Received Received - Intake

Path Traversal in go-git Library

Publication date: 2026-08-07

Last updated on: 2026-08-07

Assigner: GitHub, Inc.

Description
go-git is an extensible git implementation library written in pure Go. Prior to 5.19.2 and 6.0.0-alpha.5, worktree operations (including checkout, status, and add) resolve symbolic links inside the working tree without confining resolution to the worktree boundary, so a maliciously crafted repository containing a symlink can cause go-git to read from or write to files outside the intended working directory when the repository is cloned and its worktree operations are used. Versions 5.19.2 and 6.0.0-alpha.5.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-07
Last Modified
2026-08-07
Generated
2026-08-07
AI Q&A
2026-08-07
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-71556
EUVD
EUVD-2026-54526

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 3 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
go-git go-git to 5.19.2 (inc)
go-git go-git to 6.0.0-alpha.5 (inc)
go-git go-git to 6.0.0-alpha.5 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-59 The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

Attack-Flow Graph

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Executive Summary

CVE-2026-71556 is a symlink traversal vulnerability in the go-git library. It occurs during worktree operations like checkout, status, or add. The issue allows symbolic links inside a repository to cause the library to read from or write to files outside the intended working directory when the repository is cloned and operations are performed.

Detection Guidance

Detecting this vulnerability requires checking the version of go-git in use. Commands like 'go list -m github.com/go-git/go-git' can verify if your system uses a vulnerable version (before 5.19.2 or 6.0.0-alpha.5). Inspect repositories for unexpected symlinks in worktrees that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could exploit this by introducing a malicious symlink in a repository. If you clone and perform worktree operations, the library might follow the symlink and modify or read sensitive files outside the repository, such as configuration files or system files.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or modification of sensitive data, violating confidentiality and integrity requirements in GDPR and HIPAA. Unauthorized file access may result in data breaches, triggering compliance violations and potential legal consequences.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade go-git to version 5.19.2 or 6.0.0-alpha.5 or later. Remove any untrusted repositories or symlinks in worktrees. Audit filesystem operations in applications using go-git to ensure they handle symlinks safely.

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