CVE-2026-72538 PrefectHQ Prefect - Argument Injection
Authenticated attackers can achieve remote code execution on the Prefect server by injecting arguments into the git pull command via the branch field.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2026-72538?
CVE-2026-72538 is a high-severity command injection vulnerability in PrefectHQ Prefect, published on 11 Aug 2026. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.
Official 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.
Weakness: CWE-88
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-72538?
How do I fix CVE-2026-72538?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-72538 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and pass arguments to programs as a list instead of through a shell. More about Command injection.
Is CVE-2026-72538 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-72538 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-42fh-94w4-956q.