Critical Python Vulnerabilities in Multiple Versions - USN-7488-1
Summary
USN-7488-1: python vulnerabilities. Affects python2.7 versions < 2.7.6-8ubuntu0.6+esm24. Fixed in 2.7.6-8ubuntu0.6+esm24. How to fix ↓
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Background
Python is a widely-used high-level programming language known for its readability and versatility. It supports multiple programming paradigms and is utilized in various applications, from web development to data analysis. The affected packages include Python 2.7, Python 3.4, Python 3.6, Python 3.7, Python 3.8, Python 3.9, Python 3.11, and Python 3.13, which are critical for running numerous applications. The vulnerabilities identified can lead to serious security risks, including remote code execution and denial of service.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerabilities stem from improper handling of parsing bracketed hosts, excessive backtracking in tarfile headers, and mishandling of quoted path names in the venv module. These issues could allow attackers to perform Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) attacks, cause denial of service by consuming excessive resources, or execute arbitrary code when activating virtual environments. The vulnerabilities affect specific versions of Python across various Ubuntu LTS releases.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.7.6-8ubuntu0.6+esm24
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 disabling the use of the affected Python versions or restricting access to applications that rely on them until they can be updated. Additionally, review and sanitize input to mitigate the risk of SSRF attacks.
Conclusion
In summary, several critical vulnerabilities have been identified in multiple Python versions, affecting various Ubuntu LTS releases. It is crucial to update the affected packages to their patched versions to mitigate the risks associated with these vulnerabilities. Users should also consider temporary workarounds while updates are being applied.
See every vulnerability recorded for python2.7 →
FAQ
The main vulnerabilities include SSRF attacks, denial of service due to excessive resource consumption, and arbitrary code execution when using the venv module.
Affected versions include Python 2.7, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, and 3.11 across various Ubuntu LTS releases.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting access to affected applications and sanitizing inputs.
Detailed information can be found in the Ubuntu Security Notices, specifically USN-7488-1, which outlines the vulnerabilities and their implications.
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