CVE-2023-6507 MEDIUM

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

Vendor Python Software Foundation
Product CPython
Weakness CWE-269
Published December 8, 2023
Last update August 2, 2024

CVSS base score

6.1/10
Attack vector Adjacent
Attack complexity Low
Privileges required High
User interaction None
Confidentiality High
Integrity High

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N

What the vulnerability does

01Description

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`).

Key dates

02Disclosure timeline

December 8, 2023 CVE published
August 2, 2024 Record updated