CVE-2026-28684

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.

CVSS v3.1 Score

6.6

MEDIUM

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H

EPSS — Exploit Prediction

0.0001

Probability of exploitation

0.01%

Percentile rank

EPSS estimates the probability that this vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. A higher score means more likely to be exploited.

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-59 CWE-59

CWE-61 CWE-61

Affected Products

Vendor	Product	Versions
saurabh-kumar	python-dotenv	< 1.2.2

References

Advisories & Patches

https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/commit/790c5c02991100aa1bf41ee5330aca75edc51311 https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/security/advisories/GHSA-mf9w-mj56-hr94 https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/security/advisories/GHSA-mf9w-mj56-hr94

Exploits

https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/security/advisories/GHSA-mf9w-mj56-hr94 https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/security/advisories/GHSA-mf9w-mj56-hr94

Other References

https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/releases/tag/v1.2.2

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. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.6 (MEDIUM).

How severe is CVE-2026-28684? +

CVE-2026-28684 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 6.6 out of 10, rated MEDIUM. This is a medium-severity vulnerability that should be remediated as part of regular maintenance. The EPSS score is 0.0001, placing it in the 0th percentile for exploitation probability.

What products are affected by CVE-2026-28684? +

CVE-2026-28684 affects products from saurabh-kumar, specifically: python-dotenv. Check the affected products table above for specific version ranges.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2026-28684? +

You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

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