CVE-2026-28684
MEDIUMpython-dotenv: Symlink following in set_key allows arbitrary file overwrite via cross-device rename fallback
Title source: cnaDescription
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.
References (3)
Core 3
Core References
X_Refsource_Confirm x_refsource_confirm
https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/security/advisories/GHSA-mf9w-mj56-hr94
X_Refsource_Misc x_refsource_misc
https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/commit/790c5c02991100aa1bf41ee5330aca75edc51311
X_Refsource_Misc x_refsource_misc
https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/releases/tag/v1.2.2
Scores
CVSS v3
6.6
EPSS
0.0024
EPSS Percentile
14.3%
Attack Vector
LOCAL
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H
CISA SSVC
Vulnrichment
Exploitation
poc
Automatable
no
Technical Impact
total
Details
CWE
CWE-59
CWE-61
Status
published
Products (3)
pypi/python-dotenv
0 - 1.2.2PyPI
saurabh-kumar/python-dotenv
< 1.2.2
theskumar/python-dotenv
< 1.2.2
Published
Apr 20, 2026
Tracked Since
Apr 20, 2026