CVE-2026-73620
Received Received - Intake

GitPython Unsafe Git Option Handling Allows File Overwrite

Publication date: 2026-08-13

Last updated on: 2026-08-13

Assigner: VulnCheck

Description
GitPython before 3.1.57 fails to guard git option forwarding in IndexFile.checkout() and TagReference.create(), allowing attackers to pass unsafe options via kwargs. Attackers can use --prefix to overwrite arbitrary files with repository content or -F to read arbitrary files returned in-band.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-13
Last Modified
2026-08-13
Generated
2026-08-13
AI Q&A
2026-08-13
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-73620
EUVD
EUVD-2026-57824

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
gitpython_developers gitpython to 3.1.57 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-22 The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.

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Executive Summary

GitPython before 3.1.57 has a flaw where it fails to properly validate git options passed via kwargs in IndexFile.checkout() and TagReference.create(). Attackers can exploit this to overwrite arbitrary files using --prefix or read files with -F/--file options.

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, check the installed version of GitPython using the command: pip show gitpython. If the version is below 3.1.57, the system is vulnerable. Additionally, review code that uses IndexFile.checkout() or TagReference.create() methods for unsafe option forwarding.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could overwrite critical system files like authorized_keys or .bashrc to gain code execution, or read sensitive files such as /etc/passwd. This could lead to full system compromise or unauthorized data access.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized file access or modification, violating data confidentiality and integrity requirements in GDPR and HIPAA. Organizations may face compliance violations if exploited.

Mitigation Strategies

Immediately upgrade GitPython to version 3.1.57 or later using pip install --upgrade gitpython. If upgrading is not possible, review and modify code to add allow_unsafe_options parameters to IndexFile.checkout() and TagReference.create() calls.

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