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Vulnerability record · CVE-2020-15801 · published 17 July 2020

CVE-2020-15801: Python untrusted search path vulnerability

Python · Python

In Python 3.8.4, sys.path restrictions specified in a python38._pth file are ignored, allowing code to be loaded from arbitrary locations. The <executable-name>._pth file (e.g., the python._pth file) is not affected.

9.8 CVSS 3.1 Critical EPSS 3.5% · top 11.4% CWE-426 · Untrusted search path
9.8CVSS 3.1 base score, v2 7.5
3.5%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
2Affected product versions listed by NVD
6References
17 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

In Python 3.8.4, sys.path restrictions specified in a python38._pth file are ignored, allowing code to be loaded from arbitrary locations. The <executable-name>._pth file (e.g., the python._pth file) is not affected.

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected products

2 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.

References

LinkTags
https://bugs.python.org/issue41304 Issue TrackingPatchVendor Advisory
https://github.com/python/cpython/pull/21495 PatchVendor Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20200731-0003/ Third Party Advisory
https://bugs.python.org/issue41304 Issue TrackingPatchVendor Advisory
https://github.com/python/cpython/pull/21495 PatchVendor Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20200731-0003/ Third Party Advisory

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2020-15801), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-26). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.