virtualenv is a tool for creating isolated virtual python environments. Prior to 21.7.13, the generated activate (bash and zsh) and activate.fish scripts place values already escaped by shlex.quote inside an additional quoted context. In the bash and zsh script, a crafted virtual environment path reaches __VIRTUAL_ENV__ when a relocated environment's recorded directory is absent; in the fish script, crafted Tcl or Tk library paths reach __TCL_LIBRARY__ or __TK_LIBRARY__.
The surplus quotes can terminate the data-only quoted run and leave shell metacharacters parsed as commands when a user sources the activation script, allowing code execution with that user's privileges. This issue is fixed in version 21.7.13.
Attack Parameters
Attack Vector
Local
Requires local access
Attack Complexity
Low
Easy to exploit
Privileges Required
None
No privileges needed
User Interaction
Required
User action required
Impact Assessment
Confidentiality
High
Complete data leak
Integrity
High
Complete data modification
Availability
High
Complete denial of service
CVSS Vector v3.1
Weakness Type (CWE)
Vulnerable Products
pypa:virtualenv
References 4
https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/security/advisories/GHSA-p58f-9548-mpm2
https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/security/advisories/GHSA-p58f-9548-mpm2
https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/pull/3252
https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/pull/3252
https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/commit/4d5a105ec2a2723b8c7f4571bb68f4f71d01e…
https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/commit/4d5a105ec2a2723b8c7f4571bb68f4f71d01e3f6
https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/releases/tag/21.7.13
https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/releases/tag/21.7.13