CVE-2026-78679: GitPython before 3.1.59 Arbitrary File Read via TagReference.create

Severity: medium (CVSS 6.5 v3.1)
Exploited in the wild: not listed in CISA KEV
EPSS: 0.3% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days
Public exploit or detection template: none known
Published: 2026-08-25 · updated 2026-10-12
Weakness: CWE-73

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.

Affected products

gitpython-developers GitPython: before 3.1.59 — fixed in 3.1.59

How to fix

Upgrade to a fixed version: gitpython-developers GitPython 3.1.59. Check the vendor advisory for mitigations.

References

https://github.com/gitpython-developers/GitPython/security/advisories/GHSA-3wxw-xv34-2frg
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/gitpython-before-arbitrary-file-read-via-tagreference-create
https://github.com/gitpython-developers/GitPython/security/advisories/GHSA-3wxw-xv34-2frg

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