Privilege escalation in Python
CVE-2023-6507
An issue was found in CPython 3.12.0 `subprocess` module on POSIX platforms. The issue was fixed in CPython 3.12.1 and does not affect other stable releases. When using the `extra_groups=` parameter with an empty list as a value (ie `extra_groups=[]`) the logic regressed to not call `setgroups(0, NULL)` before calling `exec()`, thus not dropping the original processes' groups before starting the new process. There is no issue when the parameter isn't used or when any value is used besides an empty list. This issue only impacts CPython processes run with sufficient privilege to make the `setgroups` system call (typically `root`).
Vulnerability class: Privilege Escalation
Published · last modified .
CVSS v3 metric
CVSS v3 base score 6.1 (Medium). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N.
EPSS exploit prediction
EPSS: 0.013 (70.1th percentile), scored .
Low probability of exploitation in the next 30 days, but still tracked. 70th percentile — 70.1% of CVEs in the catalogue have a lower EPSS than this one. How to read EPSS.
EPSS over last 30 days · oldest: 0.013 · newest: 0.013 · change: +0.000
Affected products
- Python — versions 3.12.0, 3.13.0
- Python Software Foundation Cpython — versions 3.13.0a1, 0, 3.12.0
Weakness classification (CWE)
Public proof-of-concept exploits
References
- github.com/python/cpython/issues/112334 (issue-tracking, Patch, Issue Tracking)
- mail.python.org/archives/list/security-announce@python.org/thread/AUL7QFHBLILGI… (vendor-advisory, Third Party Advisory)
- github.com/python/cpython/commit/9fe7655c6ce0b8e9adc229daf681b6d30e6b1610 (patch)
- github.com/python/cpython/commit/10e9bb13b8dcaa414645b9bd10718d8f7179e82b (patch)
- github.com/python/cpython/commit/85bbfa8a4bbdbb61a3a84fbd7cb29a4096ab8a06 (patch)
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2023-6507?
- CVE-2023-6507 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Python, classified under Improper Privilege Management. CVSS score: 6.1/10. Published 2023-12-08.
- How severe is CVE-2023-6507?
- Medium severity. CVSS v3 base score is 6.1 out of 10.
- Is CVE-2023-6507 known to be exploited?
- 1 public proof-of-concept repositories are indexed. Not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.