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.
Fix
Patch, vendor advisory and mitigation references on NVD 3
- https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/commit/790c5c02991100aa1bf41ee5330aca75edc51311 Patch
- https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/security/advisories/GHSA-mf9w-mj56-hr94 Exploit, Patch, Vendor Advisory
- https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/security/advisories/GHSA-mf9w-mj56-hr94 Exploit, Patch, Vendor Advisory
Every line above is quoted from NVD, CISA, Microsoft, the vendor's own advisory or DISA; nothing is generated.
Change history 1
- First seenCVSS 6.6 · saurabh-kumarNVD modified 2026-10-26 21:10
Affected (CPE criteria) 1
cpe:2.3:a:saurabh-kumar:python-dotenv:*:*:*:*:*:python:*:*
References 4
- https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/commit/790c5c02991100aa1bf41ee5330aca75edc51311 Patch
- https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/releases/tag/v1.2.2 Release Notes
- https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/security/advisories/GHSA-mf9w-mj56-hr94 Exploit, Patch, Vendor Advisory
- https://github.com/theskumar/python-dotenv/security/advisories/GHSA-mf9w-mj56-hr94 Exploit, Patch, Vendor Advisory