Critical Security Flaw in Python 3.11: Command-Line Option Injection Vulnerability
Summary
ALSA-2026:6286: Important: python3.11 security update. Affects python3.11 versions < 3.11.13-5.2.el9_7. Fixed in 3.11.13-5.2.el9_7. How to fix ↓
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Background
Python 3.11 is an advanced, interpreted programming language known for its versatility and ease of use. It supports various programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming. Python is widely used for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. However, a recent security vulnerability has been identified that affects its command-line interface, potentially allowing malicious actors to inject harmful commands through crafted URLs.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from a command-line option injection in the webbrowser.open() function, which can be exploited via specially crafted URLs. This flaw could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the user's system, leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, or system compromise. The vulnerability has been assigned the identifier CVE-2026-4519 and poses a significant risk to users who utilize the affected versions of Python 3.11.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
3.11.13-5.2.el9_7
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo dnf update python3.11Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can avoid using the webbrowser.open() function with untrusted URLs until the package is updated. It is advisable to validate and sanitize any URLs before passing them to this function to mitigate potential risks.
Conclusion
The command-line option injection vulnerability in Python 3.11 poses a significant security risk that can lead to unauthorized access and system compromise. Users are strongly advised to update to the latest patched version to protect their systems. For those unable to update immediately, implementing workarounds can help mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
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FAQ
CVE-2026-4519 is the identifier for the command-line option injection vulnerability found in Python 3.11, which can be exploited through crafted URLs.
You can use the Vulert platform to check for vulnerabilities in your application by uploading your manifest file, such as package-lock.json, without needing to sign up.
The risks include potential unauthorized command execution, data breaches, and system compromise, which can lead to severe consequences for users and organizations.
Yes, a patch is available in version 3.11.13-5.2.el9_7 of Python 3.11. Users are encouraged to update to this version to mitigate the risk.
If immediate updating is not possible, avoid using the vulnerable function with untrusted URLs and consider validating or sanitizing inputs to reduce risk.
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