CVE-2026-28684: python-dotenv reads key-value pairs from a .env file and can set them as environment variables

Routine

MEDIUM 6.6UPGRADE

CVE-2026-28684 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.6) affecting python-dotenv. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

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.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.6 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 83%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59, CWE-61
Published	2026-04-20
Last modified	2026-10-26

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: saurabh-kumar

Last updated 2026-10-26 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-04-20 17:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-26 21:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

saurabh-kumar python-dotenv UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.2.2

Fixed in: 1.2.2

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

pip show python-dotenv

2. UPGRADE to 1.2.2

pip install --upgrade "python-dotenv>=1.2.2"

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-28684?

python-dotenv: upgrade to 1.2.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-28684 being exploited?

CVE-2026-28684 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-28684 affect?

CVE-2026-28684 affects python-dotenv. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.6). 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 attac

How urgent is CVE-2026-28684?

Priority 32/100. Public exploit reference

Software pages

Python vulnerabilities

References

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