# CVE-2026-28740: Gitea LFS object reuse bypasses Code-unit authorization

> Attackers with repository access but no Code-unit permission can read private source objects via Git LFS reuse in Gitea.

- **Severity:** High 7.1 (`CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:L/A:N`)
- **Exploited in the wild:** Not known
- **Login needed:** Any signed-in user
- **Attackable:** Over the internet
- **Victim action needed:** Not needed
- **Fix available:** Yes
- **Published:** 3 Jul 2026
- **Updated:** 7 Jul 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-2m9v-5q2g-58vq, GO-2026-6029

## What is CVE-2026-28740?

CVE-2026-28740 is a high-severity missing authorization vulnerability in Gitea Open Source Git Server, published on 3 Jul 2026. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.

### Official description

Gitea versions up to and including 1.26.2 allow Git LFS object reuse to authorize private source objects for users who have repository access but lack Code-unit access.

Weakness: CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization), CWE-639 (Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key)

## Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-28740?

3 open source packages ship an affected version, including gitea.dev and code.gitea.io/gitea.


| Package | Ecosystem | Affected | Fixed in |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `gitea.dev` | Go | All versions | 1.26.3 |
| `gitea.dev` | Go | All versions | 1.26.3 |
| `code.gitea.io/gitea` | Go | All versions | 1.26.3 |

## How do I fix CVE-2026-28740?

Upgrade gitea.dev to 1.26.3 or later.

## Is CVE-2026-28740 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-28740 in the wild and no public exploit code.

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
Check this codebase for CVE-2026-28740 and fix it if it is affected.

What it is: CVE-2026-28740 is a high-severity missing authorization vulnerability in Gitea Open Source Git Server, published on 3 Jul 2026. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.
Exploitation: There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-28740 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Affected packages and fixed versions:
- gitea.dev (Go): affected all versions; fixed in 1.26.3
- gitea.dev (Go): affected all versions; fixed in 1.26.3
- code.gitea.io/gitea (Go): affected all versions; fixed in 1.26.3

Task:
1. Search the dependency manifests and lockfiles (for example package.json, package-lock.json, requirements.txt, poetry.lock, uv.lock, pom.xml, build.gradle, go.mod, Cargo.lock, Gemfile.lock) and any Dockerfiles for the affected packages, including transitive dependencies.
2. If an affected version is in use, upgrade it to the fixed version for its release line with the project's package manager, so the lockfile is regenerated. Prefer the smallest upgrade that fixes it.
3. If there is no fix, or the upgrade would break the build, do not guess: explain the risk and the safest workaround instead.
4. Run the tests and summarise what changed and why.
5. If nothing in the project is affected, say so and change nothing.

Reference: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2026-28740/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2026-28740/index.md)
```

## Sources

- CVE record: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-28740
- NVD: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-28740
- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/CVE-2026-28740

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2026-28740/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.