CVE-2026-28684
CVE-2026-28684 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Saurabh-kumar Python-dotenv with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.6. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-59.
Key facts
- Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 6.6)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (14th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2026-23901
- Weakness: CWE-59
- Affected product: Saurabh-kumar Python-dotenv
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
python-dotenv reads key-value pairs from a .env file and can set them as environment variables. Prior to version 1.2.2, `set_key()` and `unset_key()` in python-dotenv follow symbolic links when rewriting `.env` files, allowing a local attacker to overwrite arbitrary files via a crafted symlink when a cross-device rename fallback is triggered. Users should upgrade to v.1.2.2 or, as a workaround, apply the patch manually.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-28684?
- python-dotenv reads key-value pairs from a .env file and can set them as environment variables. Prior to version 1.2.2, `set_key()` and `unset_key()` in python-dotenv follow symbolic links when rewriting `.env` files, allowing a local attacker to overwrite arbitrary files via a crafted symlink when a cross-device rename fallback is triggered. Users should upgrade to v.1.2.2 or, as a workaround, apply the patch manually.
- How severe is CVE-2026-28684?
- CVE-2026-28684 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.6, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2026-28684 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (14th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2026-28684?
- CVE-2026-28684 affects Saurabh-kumar Python-dotenv. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2026-28684?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
- Does CVE-2026-28684 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2026-28684 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-23901.
- When was CVE-2026-28684 published?
- CVE-2026-28684 was published on 2026-04-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/commit/790c5c02991100aa1bf41ee5330aca75edc51311
- https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/releases/tag/v1.2.2
- https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/security/advisories/GHSA-mf9w-mj56-hr94
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:saurabh-kumar:python-dotenv:*:*:*:*:*:python:*:*
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