go-git: Insufficiently Protected Credentials
CVE-2026-41506 is a high-severity insufficiently protected credentials vulnerability in go-git, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.4 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected go-git versions: < 5.18.0; < 6.0.0-alpha.2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.26% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of go-git you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 4.7 | Medium | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.4 | High | NVD |
Official description
go-git is an extensible git implementation library written in pure Go. Prior to versions 5.18.0 and 6.0.0-alpha.2, go-git may leak HTTP authentication credentials when following redirects during smart-HTTP clone and fetch operations. This issue has been patched in versions 5.18.0 and 6.0.0-alpha.2.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Insufficiently Protected Credentials
The product transmits or stores authentication credentials, but it uses an insecure method that is susceptible to unauthorized interception and/or retrieval.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an appropriate security mechanism to protect the credentials.
- Make appropriate use of cryptography to protect the credentials.
- Use industry standards to protect the credentials (e.g. LDAP, keystore, etc.).
More Insufficiently Protected Credentials vulnerabilities (CWE-522)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
- github.com/go-git/go-git/releases/tag/v5.18.0Product, Release Notes
- github.com/go-git/go-git/releases/tag/v6.0.0-alpha.2Product, Release Notes
Other vulnerabilities in go-git
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Insufficiently Protected Credentials vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.4 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
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