CVE-2008-5983: Medium severity Python Python vulnerability
Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures assigned an identifier CVE-2008-5983 to the following vulnerability:
Untrusted search path vulnerability in the PySysSetArgv API function in Python before 2.6 prepends an empty string to sys.path when the argv[0] argument does not contain a path separator, which might allow local users to execute arbitrary code via a Trojan horse Python file in the current working directory.
References: http://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2008-5983 http://www.mail-archive.com/debian-bugs-dist@lists.debian.org/msg586010.html http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2009/01/26/2 http://www.nabble.com/Bug-484305%3A-bicyclerepair%3A-bike.vim-imports-untrusted-python-files-from-cwd-td18848099.html
Other sources
Untrusted search path vulnerability in the PySysSetArgv API function in Python 2.6 and earlier, and possibly later versions, prepends an empty string to sys.path when the argv[0] argument does not contain a path separator, which might allow local users to execute arbitrary code via a Trojan horse Python file in the current working directory.
— Launchpad
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
redhat/pythonto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 0:2.4.3-43.el5 - Compensating control
Prevent exploitation via a trojan Python file in the current working directory: ensure directories from which Python is executed are not writable by untrusted/local users (restrict filesystem permissions), and avoid running Python with an untrusted current working directory to prevent execution of malicious files placed there.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2008-5983?
CVE-2008-5983 is a vulnerability in the PySys_SetArgv API function in Python 2.6 and earlier that allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a Trojan horse P…
Which software versions are affected by CVE-2008-5983?
Python 2.6 and earlier, and possibly later versions, are affected by CVE-2008-5983.
How severe is CVE-2008-5983?
CVE-2008-5983 has a severity rating of 6.9 (medium).
How can I fix CVE-2008-5983?
There are no specific fixes mentioned for CVE-2008-5983. It is recommended to update to the latest version of Python to mitigate the vulnerability.
Where can I find more information about CVE-2008-5983?
You can find more information about CVE-2008-5983 at the following references: [link1](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2009/01/26/2), [link2](http://www.mail-archive.com/debian-bugs-dist@lists.debian.org/msg586010.html), [link3](http://www.nabble.com/Bug-484305%3A-bicyclerepair%3A-bike.vim-imports-untrusted-python-files-from-cwd-td18848099.html)