Critical Vulnerabilities in Python Packages: python2.7 and python3.5
Summary
USN-7015-4: python2.7, python3.5 vulnerability. Affects python2.7 versions < 2.7.6-8ubuntu0.6+esm20. Fixed in 2.7.6-8ubuntu0.6+esm20. How to fix ↓
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Background
Python is a widely-used high-level programming language known for its readability and versatility. The packages python2.7 and python3.5 are essential components of the Python ecosystem, providing core functionalities and libraries for developers. However, these versions have been identified with multiple vulnerabilities that could compromise the security and stability of applications relying on them.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerabilities stem from improper handling of email parsing, excessive backtracking in tarfile headers, incorrect quoting of newlines in email headers, mishandling of cookies in the http.cookies module, and incorrect handling of malformed zip files. These issues could allow remote attackers to bypass security mechanisms, cause denial of service, or perform header injection attacks, leading to potential exploitation of systems using these Python versions.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.7.6-8ubuntu0.6+esm20
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade python2.7Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, consider limiting the use of the affected functionalities in your applications until the packages can be updated. For instance, avoid processing untrusted email inputs or parsing potentially malicious zip files until the vulnerabilities are addressed.
Conclusion
The vulnerabilities identified in python2.7 and python3.5 pose significant risks to applications relying on these packages. It is crucial to update to the patched versions to ensure security and stability. Users should also consider using tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in their software.
See every vulnerability recorded for python2.7 →
FAQ
The vulnerabilities include improper email parsing, excessive backtracking in tarfile headers, incorrect quoting of newlines, mishandling of cookies, and incorrect handling of malformed zip files.
These vulnerabilities can lead to security breaches, denial of service attacks, and potential exploitation by remote attackers, compromising the integrity and availability of your application.
Yes, patched versions of python2.7 and python3.5 are available. Users should update to the specified versions to mitigate the risks.
If immediate updates are not possible, implement workarounds such as limiting the use of affected functionalities and monitoring for any suspicious activity.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Check your application against the vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for python2.7.
