CVE-2026-52726
Description
A flaw was found in Dulwich, a pure-Python implementation of Git file formats and protocols. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to achieve arbitrary code execution by crafting a malicious Git submodule. When a user clones or updates a repository with such a submodule, the attacker-controlled content is written into the victim's Git hooks directory. Subsequent Git or Dulwich commands can then execute these malicious files, leading to system compromise.
Statement
Red Hat product security classifies this bug as Important as this bug can be triggered by the victim merely by cloning a maliciours repository. The attacker is however unable to trigger any executable without subsequent actions by the victim. Users should pay attention to any binaries that are cloned over as this is not normal and not clone untrusted repositories.
There is no loss of integrity and confidentiality loss can be minimal depending on the due diligence executed by the user so the CVSS score is rated lower even though this bug is classified as Important.
Mitigation
To mitigate this issue, users should avoid cloning or updating Git repositories that contain submodules from untrusted or unverified sources. When interacting with repositories, especially those with submodules, ensure the source is trusted to prevent the execution of arbitrary code via crafted Git hooks. If possible, review the `.gitmodules` file and the submodule's content before performing recursive submodule operations.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 5.4 | N/A | 7.5 |
| Attack Vector | Network | N/A | Network |
| Attack Complexity | Low | N/A | Low |
| Privileges Required | None | N/A | None |
| User Interaction | Required | N/A | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | None | N/A | None |
| Integrity Impact | Low | N/A | None |
| Availability Impact | Low | N/A | High |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
The attacker may be able to create or overwrite critical files that are used to execute code, such as programs or libraries.
Integrity
Technical Impact: Modify Files or Directories
The attacker may be able to overwrite or create critical files, such as programs, libraries, or important data. If the targeted file is used for a security mechanism, then the attacker may be able to bypass that mechanism. For example, appending a new account at the end of a password file may allow an attacker to bypass authentication.
Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Read Files or Directories
The attacker may be able read the contents of unexpected files and expose sensitive data. If the targeted file is used for a security mechanism, then the attacker may be able to bypass that mechanism. For example, by reading a password file, the attacker could conduct brute force password guessing attacks in order to break into an account on the system.
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
The attacker may be able to overwrite, delete, or corrupt unexpected critical files such as programs, libraries, or important data. This may prevent the product from working at all and in the case of protection mechanisms such as authentication, it has the potential to lock out product users.
Frequently Asked Questions
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