Description
GitPython versions before 3.1.58 contain an arbitrary file overwrite vulnerability in IndexFile.from_tree, IndexFile.reset, and IndexFile.merge_tree methods that append caller-influenced treeish strings to git read-tree without option validation or argument separation. Attackers can inject the --index-output option to overwrite arbitrary files with a valid git-index blob, destroying existing file content at attacker-controlled writable paths.
Published: 2026-08-19
Score: 7.2 High
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: n/a
Action: n/a
AI Analysis

Impact

GitPython versions before 3.1.58 contain a flaw in IndexFile.from_tree, IndexFile.reset, and IndexFile.merge_tree that appends caller‑supplied treeish strings directly to git read‑tree commands. The flaw allows an attacker to inject the --index-output option so that the underlying git process writes a valid git‑index blob to any file path the attacker can write to. This results in the destruction of existing file content.

Affected Systems

The vulnerability affects the GitPython project; any installation of the library prior to release 3.1.58 on any operating system where the code receives untrusted treeish input—such as build tools, deployment scripts, or automation code—may be impacted.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 7.2 indicates high severity. The EPSS score of <1% suggests a low probability of exploitation and it is not listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Based on the description, it is inferred that the likely attack vector is a local user or process that supplies a malicious treeish string to GitPython’s read‑tree methods, for example through an insecure API endpoint or command. Exploitation requires write permission to the target file path, so the threat is most relevant where the executing process runs with elevated privileges or where untrusted input can reach the API. Monitoring for unexpected file overwrites and applying the official upgrade are recommended.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 20, 2026 at 17:10 UTC.

Remediation

No vendor fix or workaround currently provided.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Upgrade to GitPython 3.1.58 or later
  • Validate and sanitize all user‑supplied treeish strings before passing them to GitPython’s read‑tree methods, ensuring the --index-output option is not present
  • Restrict write permissions on directories that GitPython writes to so that only trusted processes can modify files

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 20, 2026 at 17:10 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories
Source ID Title
Github GHSA Github GHSA GHSA-4gmw-gg2m-w46p GitPython: Unguarded git read-tree option forwarding in IndexFile.from_tree/reset/merge_tree enables arbitrary file overwrite
History

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:gitpython_project:gitpython:*:*:*:*:*:python:*:*

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
References
Metrics threat_severity

None

threat_severity

Important


Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description GitPython versions before 3.1.58 contain an arbitrary file overwrite vulnerability in IndexFile.from_tree, IndexFile.reset, and IndexFile.merge_tree methods that append caller-influenced treeish strings to git read-tree without option validation or argument separation. Attackers can inject the --index-output option to overwrite arbitrary files with a valid git-index blob, destroying existing file content at attacker-controlled writable paths.
Title GitPython before 3.1.58 Arbitrary File Overwrite via read-tree
First Time appeared Gitpython Project
Gitpython Project gitpython
Weaknesses CWE-88
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:gitpython_project:gitpython:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Gitpython Project
Gitpython Project gitpython
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 8.1, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H'}

cvssV4_0

{'score': 7.2, 'vector': 'CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:N/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N'}


Subscriptions

Gitpython Project Gitpython
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: VulnCheck

Published:

Updated: 2026-08-20T15:23:10.823Z

Reserved: 2026-08-19T11:35:13.689Z

Link: CVE-2026-76219

cve-icon Vulnrichment

No data.

cve-icon NVD

Status : Analyzed

Published: 2026-08-19T14:17:48.187

Modified: 2026-09-03T15:03:51.950

Link: CVE-2026-76219

cve-icon Redhat

Severity : Important

Publid Date: 2026-08-19T14:02:03Z

Links: CVE-2026-76219 - Bugzilla

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-08-20T17:15:04Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-88

    Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command ('Argument Injection')