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Vulnerability · Published Dec 8, 2023 · Assigned by PSF

CVE-2023-6507Groups not dropped before running subprocess when using empty 'extra_groups' parameter

Medium 6.1

In plain English

A medium-severity privilege mismanagement in CPython from Python Software Foundation. There are no confirmed reports of exploitation so far. The chance it is exploited in the next 30 days is estimated at 1.3% (higher than 71% of all known vulnerabilities). Fixed versions are available - upgrade the affected package.

Severity (CVSS 3.1)6.1Medium
Exploit odds (30 days)1.3%top 28.6% of all CVEs
Exploited in the wildNo reportsCISA SSVC: none
Attack toolingNoneno public tooling known

Official description

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`).

Affected packages & fixed versions

EcosystemPackageFixed inAdvisory
Ubuntu:22.04:LTSpython3.103.10.12-1~22.04.4USN-6891-1
Ubuntu:24.04:LTSpython3.123.12.1-2UBUNTU-CVE-2023-6507

Affected products (as reported)

VendorProductVersions
Python Software Foundation CPython 0 – before 3.12.13.13.0a1 – before 3.13.0a3

Weakness: CWE-269 · Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N

References