PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
CVE-2026-76218 gitpython-developers CVE debrief
CVE-2026-76218 is a remote code execution vulnerability in GitPython before version 3.1.58. The vulnerability occurs in Repo.init, which forwards unsafe git options without validation. Attackers can exploit this by supplying a template parameter pointing to a directory with malicious git hooks, allowing arbitrary code execution when git operations are performed on the initialized repository. This vulnerability affects developers and administrators using GitPython, especially those working with git repositories that may be exposed to untrusted input. The CVE record was published on 2026-08-19T14:17:48.040Z and has not been modified since then.
- Vendor
- gitpython-developers
- Product
- GitPython
- CVSS
- HIGH 7.7
- CISA KEV
- Not listed in stored evidence
- Original CVE published
- 2026-08-19
- Original CVE updated
- 2026-08-31
- Advisory published
- 2026-08-19
- Advisory updated
- 2026-08-31
Who should care
Developers and administrators using GitPython, especially those working with git repositories that may be exposed to untrusted input, should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to mitigate it. This includes reviewing the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance. Affected operator, platform, vulnerability-management, and security-team impact should be considered when assessing the risk of this vulnerability. Compensating controls for exposed systems should be reviewed while remediation is scheduled and verified. Relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets should be checked for extra review. Exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented. This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.7 and a HIGH severity rating, indicating a high level of risk. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize patching to prevent potential remote code execution. GitPython users should also consider implementing compensating controls, such as restricting access to GitPython repositories. Additionally, tracking exceptions, retesting remediated assets, and closing the item only after evidence is documented is crucial. By taking these steps, developers and administrators can minimize the risk associated with this vulnerability and protect their systems from potential attacks. To further mitigate the risk, it is recommended to inventory and check systems using GitPython for version 3.1.58 or later, apply patches or updates to GitPython as soon as possible, and monitor GitPython repositories for suspicious activity. Furthermore, consider implementing compensating controls, such as restricting access to GitPython repositories, and review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified. Checking relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review is also essential. Finally, tracking exceptions, retesting remediated assets, and closing the item only after evidence is documented is vital to ensure the vulnerability is properly addressed. In summary, developers and administrators using GitPython should be aware
Technical summary
CVE-2026-76218 is a remote code execution vulnerability in GitPython before version 3.1.58. The vulnerability occurs in Repo.init, which forwards unsafe git options without validation. Attackers can exploit this by supplying a template parameter pointing to a directory with malicious git hooks, allowing arbitrary code execution when git operations are performed on the initialized repository. Limited information is available about affected scope and vendor remediation.
Defensive priority
GitPython users should prioritize patching to prevent potential remote code execution.
Recommended defensive actions
- Inventory and check systems using GitPython for version 3.1.58 or later.
- Apply patches or updates to GitPython as soon as possible.
- Monitor GitPython repositories for suspicious activity.
- Consider implementing compensating controls, such as restricting access to GitPython repositories.
- Review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance.
- Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented.
- Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up.
Evidence notes
The CVE record indicates a remote code execution vulnerability in GitPython before version 3.1.58. The vulnerability is due to Repo.init forwarding unsafe git options without validation, allowing attackers to supply a template parameter pointing to a directory with malicious git hooks. Limited information is available about affected scope and vendor remediation.
Sources and references
Verified primary and authoritative sources
-
CVE-2026-76218 CVE Program record
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-76218
CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.
-
CVE-2026-76218 NVD vulnerability detail
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-76218
NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.
Supplemental references
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://github.com/gitpython-developers/GitPython/security/advisories/GHSA-9rj7-rf2p-w77r
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/gitpython-before-remote-code-execution-via-repo-init
Methodology and review provenance
AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.