CVE-2022-26488

python: local privilege escalation via search path in Windows

Published Mar 7, 2022 CVSS 3.1 · 7.0 High EPSS 1.5% KEV · Not listed
Description
In Python before 3.10.3 on Windows, local users can gain privileges because the search path is inadequately secured. The installer may allow a local attacker to add user-writable directories to the system search path. To exploit, an administrator must have installed Python for all users and enabled PATH entries. A non-administrative user can trigger a repair that incorrectly adds user-writable paths into PATH, enabling search-path hijacking of other users and system services. This affects Python (CPython) through 3.7.12, 3.8.x through 3.8.12, 3.9.x through 3.9.10, and 3.10.x through 3.10.2.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
EUVD EUVD EUVD-2022-31046 In Python before 3.10.3 on Windows, local users can gain privileges because the search path is inadequately secured. The installer may allow a local attacker to add user-writable directories to the system search path. To exploit, an administrator must have installed Python for all users and enabled PATH entries. A non-administrative user can trigger a repair that incorrectly adds user-writable paths into PATH, enabling search-path hijacking of other users and system services. This affects Python (CPython) through 3.7.12, 3.8.x through 3.8.12, 3.9.x through 3.9.10, and 3.10.x through 3.10.2.
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
Title python: local privilege escalation via search path in Windows
References
Metrics threat_severity

None

threat_severity

Moderate

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
mitre
Published
Updated
Oct 14, 2026, 4:20 PM
Reserved
Mar 6, 2022, 12:00 AM
Status
Modified
Published
Mar 10, 2022, 5:47 PM
Modified
Oct 14, 2026, 5:17 PM
Severity
Moderate
Public date
Oct 4, 2024, 4:38 PM