CVE-2026-72538
Received Received - Intake

Argument Injection in PrefectHQ Prefect

Publication date: 2026-08-11

Last updated on: 2026-08-11

Assigner: 309f9ea4-e3e9-4c6c-b79d-e8eb01244f2c

Description
An argument injection vulnerability in PrefectHQ Prefect through 3.8.2 allows authenticated users to achieve remote code execution via the git_clone pull step branch field. The branch parameter is passed directly to git pull without sanitization, enabling injection of arbitrary git arguments. This represents a distinct code path from the incomplete fix applied for CVE-2026-5366 and allows command execution on the Prefect server.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-11
Last Modified
2026-08-11
Generated
2026-08-11
AI Q&A
2026-08-11
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-72538
EUVD
EUVD-2026-56008

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
prefecthq prefect 3.8.2

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Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-88 The product constructs a string for a command to be executed by a separate component in another control sphere, but it does not properly delimit the intended arguments, options, or switches within that command string.

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Executive Summary

This is an argument injection vulnerability in PrefectHQ Prefect through version 3.8.2. Authenticated users can exploit it via the git_clone pull step branch field to achieve remote code execution. The branch parameter is passed directly to git pull without sanitization, allowing injection of arbitrary git arguments. This enables command execution on the Prefect server.

Detection Guidance

Check Prefect server logs for unusual git pull commands or unexpected branch parameter values. Inspect workflow configurations for git_clone steps with branch fields containing shell metacharacters or git options like --upload-pack.

Impact Analysis

An attacker with authenticated access could execute arbitrary commands on the Prefect server. This could lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, system compromise, or further network infiltration depending on the server's permissions and environment.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or data breaches, violating GDPR's data protection requirements and HIPAA's security and privacy rules. Organizations may face legal penalties, reputational damage, and loss of compliance certifications if exploited.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade Prefect to a patched version beyond 3.8.2. Review and sanitize all git_clone step branch inputs in workflows. Implement input validation for branch parameters to block shell metacharacters and git options.

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