CVE-2020-15801

Name: CVE-2020-15801
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-07-17T03:15:11.33+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10EPSS 3.10%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-15801 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. 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.. EPSS estimates a 3.10% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

3.10%

86.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-426

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Python	Python	>= 3.7.0, < 3.7.9
Python	Python	>= 3.8.0, < 3.8.5
Netapp	Max Data	All versions

References

https://bugs.python.org/issue41304Issue Tracking, Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/python/cpython/pull/21495Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20200731-0003/Third Party Advisory
https://bugs.python.org/issue41304Issue Tracking, Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/python/cpython/pull/21495Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20200731-0003/Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Jul 17, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-15801?

How severe is CVE-2020-15801?

CVE-2020-15801 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 3.10% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-15801?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2020-15801?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST