# CVE-2026-73619: GitPython incomplete denylist in Repo.archive allows arbitrary file read

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-73619-gitpython-incomplete-denylist-in-repo-archive-allows-arbitrary  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-08-13. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-73619 · Severity: medium · CVSS 6.5 · Published 2026-08-13

GitPython is a Python library for interacting with Git repositories. The Repo.archive() method contains a security guard that blocks dangerous command-line options, but the blocklist is incomplete—it omits --add-file and --add-virtual-file. An authenticated attacker can use these options to read arbitrary files from the filesystem and include them in the archive they receive, exposing sensitive data like /etc/passwd.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-73619 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-73619 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-73619?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 6.5, published 13 August 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** gitpython (PyPI) ECOSYSTEM:introduced=0,fixed=3.1.57.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-73619?** Yes. gitpython (PyPI): upgrade to 3.1.57 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-73619 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-73619?** Check whether you run Gitpython Project 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 3.1.57 or later

  ```sh
  pip install "gitpython>=3.1.57"
  ```


## Technical details

The vulnerability is an incomplete denylist (CWE-73: External Control of File Name or Path) in the unsafe_git_archive_options guard that protects the Repo.archive() method. The guard blocks --exec and --output/-o options but omits --add-file and --add-virtual-file. An attacker with code execution or authenticated access can pass these options to Repo.archive() via the add_file or add_virtual_file parameters, which are transformed into command-line arguments and passed directly to git archive. The --add-file option reads arbitrary filesystem paths (including absolute paths outside the repository) and includes them in the returned archive; --add-virtual-file injects attacker-controlled content under an attacker-chosen name. Exploitation requires the ability to call Repo.archive() with attacker-controlled parameters. A fix is available in version 3.1.57 and later.

## Affected products

- GitPython GitPython before 3.1.57

## Identifiers

- CVE-2026-73619
- GHSA-539m-9xh6-q6rr
- PYSEC-2026-3948

## Timeline

- 2026-07-26: disclosed
- 2026-08-13: advisory
- 2026-08-13: patched: GitPython 3.1.57

## References

- [https://github.com/gitpython-developers/GitPython/security/advisories/GHSA-539m-9xh6-q6rr](https://github.com/gitpython-developers/GitPython/security/advisories/GHSA-539m-9xh6-q6rr)
- [https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/gitpython-before-arbitrary-file-read-via-repo-archive](https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/gitpython-before-arbitrary-file-read-via-repo-archive)

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