# CVE-2026-110859: GitPython argument injection in Head.checkout()

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-110859-gitpython-before-3-2-0-contains-an-argument-injection  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-14. Updated: 2026-10-16  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-110859 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.5 · Published 2026-10-14

GitPython is a Python library that applications use to interact with Git repositories, including cloning repositories from user-supplied URLs. An attacker can create a malicious repository with a specially crafted branch name that injects git command-line options, allowing arbitrary file reading from the system where the application runs. When a vulnerable application clones and checks out such a repository, file contents leak through error messages.

Technologies: [GitPython](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/gitpython-gitpython), [gitpython (PyPI)](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/pypi-gitpython). Vendors: [GitPython](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/gitpython), [PyPI](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/pypi).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-110859 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-110859 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-110859?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.5, published 14 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** GitPython before 3.2.0; gitpython (PyPI) ECOSYSTEM:introduced=0,fixed=3.2.0.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-110859?** Yes. gitpython (PyPI): upgrade to 3.2.0 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-110859 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-110859?** Check whether you run GitPython or gitpython (PyPI) at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- gitpython (PyPI): upgrade to 3.2.0 or later

  ```sh
  pip install "gitpython>=3.2.0"
  ```


## Technical details

The Head.checkout() method in git/refs/head.py passes the branch name directly to git checkout without inserting the -- argument separator, allowing injection of git options like --pathspec-from-file=/etc/passwd. The method guards **kwargs for unsafe options but ignores the positional branch name argument. An attacker with ability to host a repository (no authentication required) can trigger arbitrary file reads when a consuming application clones and checks out the default branch.

## Affected products

- GitPython GitPython before 3.2.0

## Identifiers

- CVE-2026-110859
- GHSA-23mf-xhv8-69c2

## Timeline

- 2026-09-30: disclosed
- 2026-10-14: advisory

## References

- [https://github.com/gitpython-developers/GitPython/security/advisories/GHSA-23mf-xhv8-69c2](https://github.com/gitpython-developers/GitPython/security/advisories/GHSA-23mf-xhv8-69c2)
- [https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/gitpython-before-3.2.0-arbitrary-file-read-via-head-checkout-branch-name](https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/gitpython-before-3.2.0-arbitrary-file-read-via-head-checkout-branch-name)

## Related threats

- [GitPython command wrappers omit unsafe protocol and option checks](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-110857-gitpython-command-wrappers-omit-unsafe-protocol-and-option)
- [GitPython submodule path traversal to arbitrary hook execution](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-114145-gitpython-is-a-python-library-used-to-interact-with-git)
- [GitPython symlink following in Submodule.move()](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-110860-gitpython-from-3-1-62-before-3-2-0-contains-a-symlink-following)
- [GitPython remote code execution in Remote.pull() refspec argument](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-110858-gitpython-from-3-1-30-before-3-2-0-contains-a-remote-code)
- [GitPython regular expression denial of service in parse_actor_and_date](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-110856-gitpython-before-3-2-0-contains-a-regular-expression-denial-of)