# CVE-2026-76221: GitPython: git-config OPTION-name injection via =/#/whitespace bypasses name validator, enabling forged core.sshCommand/hooksPath (RCE)

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-76221-gitpython-git-config-option-name-injection-via-whitespace  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-08-19  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-76221 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-08-19

GitPython before 3.1.58 contains a config-name injection vulnerability in the option-name validator that allows attackers to forge arbitrary git-config directives by injecting equals signs, hash symbols, and whitespace into option names. Attackers can inject malicious option names like 'sshCommand = touch /tmp/RCE #' to execute arbitrary commands via core.sshCommand or core.hooksPath on the next git operation.

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-2026-76221 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-76221 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-76221?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 19 August 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** gitpython (PyPI) ECOSYSTEM:introduced=0,fixed=3.1.58.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-76221?** Yes. gitpython (PyPI): upgrade to 3.1.58 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-76221?** 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 3.1.58 or later

  ```sh
  pip install "gitpython>=3.1.58"
  ```


## Affected products

- Gitpython Project Gitpython
- gitpython (PyPI) ECOSYSTEM:introduced=0,fixed=3.1.58

## Identifiers

- CVE-2026-76221
- GHSA-jm78-9fvv-mhgr
- PYSEC-2026-3783

## 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 argument injection in Head.checkout()](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-110859-gitpython-before-3-2-0-contains-an-argument-injection)
- [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)