CVE-2026-78679 GitPython before 3.1.59 Arbitrary File Read via TagReference.create
Attackers can read arbitrary files by supplying crafted reference parameters to TagReference.create, exposing sensitive data to anyone using the library.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-78679?
CVE-2026-78679 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in gitpython-developers GitPython, published on 25 Aug 2026. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
GitPython before 3.1.59 contains an arbitrary file read vulnerability in TagReference.create() where a positional reference parameter bypasses the unsafe option guard. Attackers can supply a reference value like --file=<path> to read arbitrary files, with contents returned in the annotated tag message.
Weakness: CWE-73
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-78679?
3 open source packages ship an affected version, including gitpython and GitPython.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
gitpython PyPI | All versions | 3.1.59 |
gitpython PyPI | All versions | 3.1.59 |
GitPython PyPI | All versions | 3.1.59 |
How do I fix CVE-2026-78679?
Upgrade gitpython to 3.1.59 or later.
Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.
Is CVE-2026-78679 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2026-78679 exists.
Sources
Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2026-78679, ECHO-e0f2-4441-3a92, GHSA-3wxw-xv34-2frg, MINI-cjw6-cfrf-4346, MINI-m28w-jx56-4772, MINI-mfwj-gf6g-mvch and 2 more.