CVE-2026-76222
Description
A flaw was found in GitPython where it fails to properly validate submodule names within .gitmodules files. A remote attacker could craft a malicious Git repository containing specially formed submodule names with directory traversal sequences. When GitPython processes these malicious submodule names during repository initialization, it could lead to the creation of attacker-controlled Git repositories at arbitrary locations on the filesystem, potentially impacting system integrity.
Statement
CVE-2026-76222 is a path-traversal flaw in GitPython submodule handling: cloning a malicious repository and initializing its submodules can create files or repositories outside the intended directory, because GitPython omits the suspicious-submodule-name guard that upstream core git enforces. Unlike the caller-gated GitPython option-forwarding flaws, this triggers during ordinary clone plus submodule initialization of an untrusted repository, so any Red Hat product that ships or bundles a vulnerable GitPython version is affected. Fixed in GitPython 3.1.58.
Mitigation
There is no mitigation beyond not cloning or initializing git submodules from untrusted repositories. Upgrade to GitPython 3.1.58 or later when it becomes available.
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 | 8.2 | N/A | 8.2 |
| Attack Vector | Network | N/A | Network |
| Attack Complexity | Low | N/A | Low |
| Privileges Required | None | N/A | None |
| User Interaction | Required | N/A | Required |
| Scope | Changed | N/A | Changed |
| Confidentiality | None | N/A | None |
| Integrity Impact | High | N/A | High |
| Availability Impact | Low | N/A | Low |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:L
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:L
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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