CVE-2023-6507 - CVE House
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Status published Medium CVE-2023-6507

Groups not dropped before running subprocess when using empty 'extra_groups' parameter

Vulnerability 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`).

Impact Analysis

Refer to official advisory for detailed impact metrics.

Remediation

Ensure systems are updated to the latest vendor-supplied patch levels.

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Credits & Attribution

No credits recorded in the NVD database.

Affected Vendor

Python Software Foundation

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Affected Software

CPython
Vulnerable Versions:
3.12.0, 3.13.0a1

Timeline

Official Publish: December 8th, 2023
Last Modified: August 2nd, 2024
Added to House: July 22nd, 2026

CVSS Vectors

V3: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N

Weaknesses (CWE)