CVE-2023-6507: Groups not dropped before running subprocess when using empty 'extra_groups' parameter
First published: Fri Dec 08 2023(Updated: )
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`).
Credit: cna@python.org cna@python.org
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| debian/python2.7 | 2.7.18-8+deb11u1 | |
| debian/python3.11 | 3.11.2-6+deb12u5 3.11.2-6+deb12u3 | |
| debian/python3.12 | 3.12.9-1 | |
| debian/python3.9 | 3.9.2-1 3.9.2-1+deb11u2 | |
| Python 2.7 | =3.12.0 | |
| Python 2.7 | =3.13.0-alpha1 | |
| Python 2.7 | =3.13.0-alpha2 |
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Reference Links
- https://github.com/python/cpython/commit/10e9bb13b8dcaa414645b9bd10718d8f7179e82b
- https://github.com/python/cpython/commit/85bbfa8a4bbdbb61a3a84fbd7cb29a4096ab8a06
- https://github.com/python/cpython/commit/9fe7655c6ce0b8e9adc229daf681b6d30e6b1610
- https://github.com/python/cpython/issues/112334
- https://mail.python.org/archives/list/security-announce@python.org/thread/AUL7QFHBLILGISS7U63B47AYSSGJJQZD/
- https://launchpad.net/bugs/cve/CVE-2023-6507
- https://github.com/python/cpython/pull/112617
- https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2023-6507
- https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-6507
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-6507
- https://ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2023-6507
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2023-6507?
CVE-2023-6507 has been classified with a medium severity due to its potential impact on POSIX systems using Python 3.12.0.
How do I fix CVE-2023-6507?
To fix CVE-2023-6507, upgrade to CPython version 3.12.1 or later, as it addresses the vulnerability.
Which versions of Python are affected by CVE-2023-6507?
CVE-2023-6507 specifically affects Python 3.12.0 and does not impact previous stable releases.
Is CVE-2023-6507 relevant for Python 2.7?
CVE-2023-6507 does not affect Python 2.7, as it is specific to CPython 3.12.0.
What specific issue does CVE-2023-6507 address?
CVE-2023-6507 addresses a regression in the 'subprocess' module when an empty list is passed to the 'extra_groups=' parameter.
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