GitPython: Incomplete unsafe_git_revision_options denylist omits --contents/-S, enabling arbitrary file read via Repo.blame()
Summary
Repo.blame() / Repo.blame_incremental() guard forwarded revision options against unsafe_git_revision_options, but that denylist only contains the file-WRITE options --output/-o. git blame also honors --contents <file> and -S <file>, which cause the file's lines to be echoed into the blame result — an arbitrary file READ. Neither option is in the denylist, so a caller-influenced revision value of --contents=<path> passes the guard and leaks file contents. This is a distinct sink-option and impact class (READ) from GHSA-956x-8gvw-wg5v (which addressed the blame --output WRITE), directly analogous to GHSA-539m-9xh6-q6rr (archive READ gap accepted separately from the archive write/exec advisory).
Root Cause
unsafe_git_revision_options = ["--output","-o"] (git/repo/base.py:188). The rev string is passed to _option_candidates([rev], kwargs) and placed BEFORE the -- separator (base.py:841). The canonical name of --contents=... is contents, which is not on the denylist, so no UnsafeOptionError is raised. The trailing -- protects only the pathspec, not the option before the revision.
Impact
Arbitrary local file read at the privileges of the host process; the file's line contents appear in the blame result returned to the caller. Pure VALUE control (the caller forwards a user-influenced revision string). Default allow_unsafe_options=False.
Proof of Concept
result = repo.blame("--contents=/etc/passwd", "a.txt")
# result rows carry the victim file's line text
Attack Chain
- Entry: app calls
repo.blame(rev, file)with attackerrev="--contents=/etc/passwd"(or kwargcontents="/etc/passwd", or-S). - Check:
Git.check_unsafe_options(_option_candidates([rev,...], kwargs), unsafe_git_revision_options)@ base.py:841. Guard: denylist =["--output","-o"]only. Bypass proof: canonical namecontents∉ denylist → no error. - Sink:
self.git.blame(rev, "--", file, p=True, ...). argv (observed):['git','blame','-p','--contents=<secret>','HEAD','--','a.txt']. - Impact: blame result rows carry the victim file's line text.
Bypass Evidence
Independently reproduced (independent test harness, default allow_unsafe_options=False): blame('--contents=<secret>','a.txt') → guard PASSED; result rows = ['GATE_SECRET_LINE_A','GATE_SECRET_LINE_B']. Control: blame('--output=…') still BLOCKED (guard active on this path). -S kwarg argv also reaches git unguarded.
Affected Versions
GitPython <= 3.1.58 (denylist present verbatim on the latest release tag).
Suggested Fix
Prefer an allowlist of blame options; at minimum add --contents/-S (and any other path-taking blame options) to unsafe_git_revision_options, and make the membership rule "the option takes a filesystem path" rather than "the option writes output".
Reported by zx (Jace) — GitHub: @manus-use
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python (PyPI) | gitpython | < 3.1.59 | 3.1.59 |
References
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/gitpython-before-arbitrary-file-read-via-repo-blame
- https://github.com/gitpython-developers/GitPython/security/advisories/GHSA-5xxx-qhh7-9287
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-78678
- https://github.com/gitpython-developers/GitPython
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/gitpython/PYSEC-2026-3788.yaml
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-200, CWE-88- Platform
- Python (PyPI)
- Package
gitpython- Disclosed
- 25.08.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 15:17
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2026-3788 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-5xxx-qhh7-9287 - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: gitpython
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Python (PyPI)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 37
- First → latest
- 12.2022 09.2026
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 3
- High 26
- Medium 8
Disclosures per year
- 2022: 1
- 2023: 3
- 2024: 1
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 32
-
GitPython: Incomplete unsafe_git_revision_options denylist omits --contents/-S, enabling arbitrary file read via Repo.blame() this entry
Know which vulnerabilities affect your application
With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.