CVE-2022-26488: In Python before 3.10.3 on Windows, local users can gain privileges because the search path is inadequately secured. The installer may allow a local a...

Description

In Python before 3.10.3 on Windows, local users can gain privileges because the search path is inadequately secured. The installer may allow a local attacker to add user-writable directories to the system search path. To exploit, an administrator must have installed Python for all users and enabled PATH entries. A non-administrative user can trigger a repair that incorrectly adds user-writable paths into PATH, enabling search-path hijacking of other users and system services. This affects Python (CPython) through 3.7.12, 3.8.x through 3.8.12, 3.9.x through 3.9.10, and 3.10.x through 3.10.2.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7/10

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

EPSS Probability

1.36%

68.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-426

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Python	Python	<= 3.7.12	—
Python	Python	>= 3.8.0, <= 3.8.12	—
Python	Python	>= 3.9.0, <= 3.9.10	—
Python	Python	>= 3.10.0, <= 3.10.2	—
Python	Python	3.11.0	Alpha1
Netapp	Active Iq Unified Manager	All versions	—
Netapp	Ontap Select Deploy Administration Utility	All versions	—

References

Timeline

Published: Mar 10, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2022-26488?

In Python before 3.10.3 on Windows, local users can gain privileges because the search path is inadequately secured. The installer may allow a local attacker to add user-writable directories to the system search path. To exploit, an administrator must have installed Python for all users and enabled PATH entries. A non-administrative user can trigger a repair that incorrectly adds user-writable paths into PATH, enabling search-path hijacking of other users and system services. This affects Python (CPython) through 3.7.12, 3.8.x through 3.8.12, 3.9.x through 3.9.10, and 3.10.x through 3.10.2.

How severe is CVE-2022-26488?

CVE-2022-26488 has a CVSS score of 7/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.36% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2022-26488?

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.