Privilege escalation in Python venv module

1) OS Command Injection

EUVDB-ID: #VU99357

Risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 6.2 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2024-9287

CWE-ID: CWE-78 - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to improper input validation in the venv module when creating a virtual environment. A local user can pass specially crafted strings to the application and execute arbitrary OS commands on the target system.

Mitigation

Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Python: 3.8 - 3.13.0

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:a:python_org:python:3.8.20:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:python_org:python:3.9.20:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:python_org:python:3.13.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

http://github.com/python/cpython/issues/124651
http://github.com/python/cpython/pull/124712
http://mail.python.org/archives/list/security-announce@python.org/thread/RSPJ2B5JL22FG3TKUJ7D7DQ4N5JRRBZL/

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.