Sources: National Vulnerability Database, CVE.org, CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS
CVE-2026-122299 Overview
Dulwich before 1.2.20 contains a commit object parsing vulnerability where the read path in _parse_commit resolves a duplicate tree header to the last occurrence instead of the first, diverging from core git's resolution behavior, while Poetry 2.5.1 ships this version and uses dulwich by default for git dependency installation. Attackers can craft a commit object with two tree headers so that reviewers and CI using git see a benign tree while Poetry's dulwich-based checkout resolves to a different attacker-controlled tree containing malicious build scripts such as setup.py, resulting in unreviewed code execution on the install or build host.
Critical Impact
Affected Products
- Dulwich: see the vendor advisory for the exact affected versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-11-04: CVE-2026-122299 published to the National Vulnerability Database by disclosure@vulncheck.com
- 2026-11-04: last updated in the NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-122299
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-122299 is a Security Vulnerability weakness (CWE-115, CWE-1250) in Dulwich. Based on its CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs no login, and relies on a user taking an action.
With a CVSS base score of 8.6, apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.
Root Cause
The vendor description states: Dulwich before 1.2.20 contains a commit object parsing vulnerability where the read path in _parse_commit resolves a duplicate tree header to the last occurrence instead of the first, diverging from core git's resolution behavior, while Poetry 2.5.1 ships this version and uses dulwich by default for git dependency installation. Attackers can craft a commit object with two tree headers so that reviewers and CI using git see a benign tree while Poetry's dulwich-based checkout resolves to a different attacker-controlled tree containing malicious build scripts such as setup.py, resulting in unreviewed code execution on the install or build host.
Attack Vector
Based on the CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs no login, and relies on a user taking an action. Attack complexity is low complexity.
No exploitation in the wild is confirmed by CISA at the time of the last update. Check the references below for any vendor or researcher proof of concept.
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-122299
Detection Strategies
- Inventory every instance of Dulwich and compare the running version with the affected range above.
- Check external attack surface scans for internet facing instances of the component.
- Run an authenticated vulnerability scan once your scanner ships a check for this CVE.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward Dulwich application, access and audit logs to your SIEM for retrospective hunting.
- Alert on new processes, configuration changes or outbound connections from the affected service.
- Track the vendor advisory and the CISA KEV catalog for changes in exploitation status.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-122299
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed version of Dulwich named in the vendor advisory.
- Prioritize internet facing and business critical instances first.
- Rescan after the change to confirm the exposure is closed.
Patch Information
Use the fixed version listed in the vendor advisory for Dulwich.
Workarounds
- If patching must wait, restrict network access to the affected service and place it behind authentication or a web application firewall rule.
CWE References
Technical References
This entry is built directly from NVD, CISA KEV and EPSS data. Verify fixed versions in the vendor advisory before you deploy.
Frequently asked questions
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