Vulnerability in Microsoft Windows

CVE-2020-15523

In Python 3.6 through 3.6.10, 3.7 through 3.7.8, 3.8 through 3.8.4rc1, and 3.9 through 3.9.0b4 on Windows, a Trojan horse python3.dll might be used in cases where CPython is embedded in a native application. This occurs because python3X.dll may use an invalid search path for python3.dll loading (after Py_SetPath has been used). NOTE: this issue CANNOT occur when using python.exe from a standard (non-embedded) Python installation on Windows.

EPSS: 0.009 (55.9th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.

CVSS v3 metric

CVSS v3 base score 7.8 (High). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Affected products

Weakness classification (CWE)

Public proof-of-concept exploits

References

  • cve@mitre.org (Patch, x_refsource_MISC, Issue Tracking, Vendor Advisory)
  • cve@mitre.org (Patch, Third Party Advisory, x_refsource_MISC)
  • cve@mitre.org (x_refsource_CONFIRM, Patch, Third Party Advisory, Issue Tracking)

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-15523?
CVE-2020-15523 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows, classified under Uncontrolled Search Path Element. CVSS score: 7.8/10. Published 2020-07-04.
How severe is CVE-2020-15523?
High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 7.8 out of 10.
Is CVE-2020-15523 known to be exploited?
1 public proof-of-concept repositories are indexed. Not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.