HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2026-28684
MEDIUM

CVE-2026-28684

CWE-59Published: April 20, 2026· Updated: Apr 27, 2026

6.6
CVSS v3.1
EPSS:0.02%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:3.4th

Official 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.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2026-28684 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

A successful exploit results in full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 6.6.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.Low
User InteractionRequired
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H

Affected Vendors & Products

saurabh-kumar1 product
python-dotenv
Source: NVD CPE · 1 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

Official Patches & Advisories

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

All References (4)

→
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

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2026-28684
CVSS Score6.6 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-59
CISA KEVNo
EPSS (30d)0.02%
Affected1 vendor
PublishedApr 20, 2026

Related CVEs (CWE-59)

CVE-2026-44881
9.9
CVE-2026-7374
9.9
CVE-2025-66277
9.8
CVE-2026-50549
9.8
CVE-2026-53476
9.6
CVE-2026-41397
9.6

Recommended Actions

  • →Apply vendor patches immediately
  • →Monitor CVE-2026-28684 in threat intel feeds
  • →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.
← All Vulnerabilities·Search for CVE-2026-28684·NVD