CVE-2026-28684

Name: CVE-2026-28684
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2026-04-20T17:16:33.087+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 6.6/10EPSS 0.24%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2026-28684 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 6.6/10 on the CVSS scale. 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. EPSS estimates a 0.24% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

6.6/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.24%

14.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Saurabh-Kumar	Python-Dotenv	< 1.2.2

References

https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/commit/790c5c02991100aa1bf41ee5330aca75edc51311Patch
https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/releases/tag/v1.2.2Release Notes
https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/security/advisories/GHSA-mf9w-mj56-hr94Exploit, Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/security/advisories/GHSA-mf9w-mj56-hr94Exploit, Patch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Apr 20, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-28684?

How severe is CVE-2026-28684?

CVE-2026-28684 has a CVSS score of 6.6/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.24% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-28684?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2026-28684?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST