CVE-2026-72538
HighCVSS 8.8Exploitation Probability (EPSS)
Elevated risk50th percentile - higher than 50% of all known CVEs
Summary
An argument injection vulnerability in PrefectHQ Prefect through 3.8.2 allows authenticated users to achieve remote code execution via the git_clone pull step branch field. The branch parameter is passed directly to git pull without sanitization, enabling injection of arbitrary git arguments. This represents a distinct code path from the incomplete fix applied for CVE-2026-5366 and allows command execution on the Prefect server.
Risk Assessment
The risk includes remote code execution on the Prefect server, which can lead to full system and data compromise. It may also enable further attacks on infrastructure.
Recommendation
It is recommended to immediately apply patches or sanitize the branch parameter in the git_clone step. Also restrict user privileges and monitor activities related to pull steps.
Other vulnerabilities in Prefect
See all- CVE-2026-5366Critical
Prefect version 3.6.23 is vulnerable to remote code execution due to improper handling of user-controlled input in the `GitRepository` storage class. The `commit_sha` parameter lacks validation and does not include a `--` separator, allowing injection of arbitrary git flags like `--upload-pack` to execute external programs. The `directories` parameter can also be exploited to inject git flags during sparse-checkout operations.
- CVE-2026-3515High
In Prefect version 3.6.18, the prefect-github integration injects the reference field into a git clone command without sanitization, allowing injection of git options. This can lead to SSRF, credential theft, or RCE.
Original NVD description (English source)
An argument injection vulnerability in PrefectHQ Prefect through 3.8.2 allows authenticated users to achieve remote code execution via the git_clone pull step branch field. The branch parameter is passed directly to git pull without sanitization, enabling injection of arbitrary git arguments. This represents a distinct code path from the incomplete fix applied for CVE-2026-5366 and allows command execution on the Prefect server.
Vulnerability data from NVD (NIST) · CISA KEV · EPSS