CVE-2023-6507
MediumCVSS 6.1Exploitation Probability (EPSS)
Elevated risk68th percentile - higher than 68% of all known CVEs
Summary
In CPython 3.12.0 in the subprocess module on POSIX platforms, when the extra_groups=[] parameter is used, the process does not call setgroups(0, NULL) before exec(), causing the new process to inherit the parent process's groups. This issue was fixed in CPython 3.12.1 and only affects processes run with root privileges.
Risk Assessment
A process running with root privileges may inadvertently pass unnecessary groups to a new process, potentially leading to privilege escalation or unauthorized access to resources.
Recommendation
Upgrade CPython to version 3.12.1 or later.
Original NVD description (English source)
An issue was found in CPython 3.12.0 `subprocess` module on POSIX platforms. The issue was fixed in CPython 3.12.1 and does not affect other stable releases. When using the `extra_groups=` parameter with an empty list as a value (ie `extra_groups=[]`) the logic regressed to not call `setgroups(0, NULL)` before calling `exec()`, thus not dropping the original processes' groups before starting the new process. There is no issue when the parameter isn't used or when any value is used besides an empty list. This issue only impacts CPython processes run with sufficient privilege to make the `setgroups` system call (typically `root`).