Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A privileged CPython 3.12.0 application on a POSIX system may start a child process with supplementary group permissions it intended to remove. This could let the child access or modify protected resources beyond its intended role. Ordinary unprivileged Python processes and other stable CPython releases are not affected according to the supplied description.
Executive priority
Schedule prompt remediation for privileged automation, service managers, or security boundaries using CPython 3.12.0. Broader emergency action is not indicated by the supplied evidence because the vulnerable configuration is specific, exploitation requires substantial privilege, and no active exploitation is documented.
Technical view
A regression in CPython 3.12.0 subprocess handling skips setgroups(0, NULL) when extra_groups=[] is supplied. The executed child consequently retains the parent process's supplementary groups. Exploitation requires a POSIX process privileged enough to change group membership, typically root. CPython 3.12.1 fixed the issue.
Likely exposure
Exposure is narrow: POSIX systems running CPython 3.12.0, where privileged code launches subprocesses using exactly extra_groups=[]. Omitting the parameter or supplying a non-empty value is not affected. Applications that never run Python with relevant privileges are unlikely to be exposed.
Exploitation context
The supplied sources do not establish active exploitation, and the CVE is not listed as KEV in the bundle. Abuse would require access to a vulnerable privileged execution path and influence over what the improperly privileged child process does. The CVSS 6.1 assessment reflects adjacent access and high privileges required.
Researcher notes
This is CWE-269 improper privilege management with confidentiality and integrity impact but no scored availability impact. The decisive trigger is an empty extra_groups value, not general subprocess use. The supplied narrative explicitly limits affected stable releases to CPython 3.12.0; avoid interpreting the broader structured version field without vendor clarification.
Mitigation direction
- Upgrade affected CPython 3.12.0 installations to CPython 3.12.1 or a later supported stable release.
- Prioritize privileged POSIX services and administrative automation using the subprocess module.
- Until upgraded, avoid passing an empty extra_groups list where operationally safe.
- Consult the Python security advisory and applicable platform package guidance.
Validation and detection
- Inventory POSIX systems and containers running CPython 3.12.0.
- Identify privileged Python processes, especially those running as root.
- Review subprocess calls for the exact extra_groups=[] configuration.
- After remediation, confirm child processes do not retain unintended supplementary groups.
- Verify the deployed Python runtime reports a fixed, supported version.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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CWE-269: Authorization and privilege behavior lookup
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Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2023-6507 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Medium
- CVSS
- 6.1 (3.1)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
SSVC decision data
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N0.95.2PSFVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.1 score
6.1MediumVector: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
Vulnerability timeline
Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.
- CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
- CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
- CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.
ADP provider summaries
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://github.com/python/cpython/issues/112334CVE reference, PSF · issue-tracking
- https://mail.python.org/archives/list/security-announce@python.org/thread/AUL7QFHBLILGISS7U63B47AYSSGJJQZD/CVE reference, PSF · vendor-advisory
- https://github.com/python/cpython/commit/9fe7655c6ce0b8e9adc229daf681b6d30e6b1610CVE reference, PSF · patch
- https://github.com/python/cpython/commit/10e9bb13b8dcaa414645b9bd10718d8f7179e82bCVE reference, PSF · patch
- https://github.com/python/cpython/commit/85bbfa8a4bbdbb61a3a84fbd7cb29a4096ab8a06CVE reference, PSF · patch
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
Improper Privilege Management
Improper Privilege Management represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.