CVE-2026-22702
Description
A flaw was found in virtualenv, a tool for creating isolated virtual Python environments. A local attacker can exploit a Time-of-Check-Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) race condition during directory creation operations. By performing symlink-based attacks, the attacker can redirect virtualenv's application data and lock file operations to locations they control. This could lead to information disclosure or data tampering.
Statement
This vulnerability is rated Moderate for Red Hat. It affects virtualenv and allows a local attacker to perform symlink-based attacks during directory creation. Exploitation requires local access and a race condition, limiting its impact in typical Red Hat deployments.
Mitigation
Given that this vulnerability requires local access and exploits a race condition during directory creation, ensuring that `virtualenv` operations are performed in trusted and controlled environments can reduce the risk. Limiting the execution of `virtualenv` by untrusted users or within sandboxed environments can help mitigate potential information disclosure or data tampering.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 4.5 | N/A | N/A |
| Attack Vector | Local | N/A | N/A |
| Attack Complexity | High | N/A | N/A |
| Privileges Required | Low | N/A | N/A |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | N/A |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | N/A |
| Confidentiality | Low | N/A | N/A |
| Integrity Impact | Low | N/A | N/A |
| Availability Impact | Low | N/A | N/A |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Confidentiality,Integrity,Access Control
Technical Impact: Read Files or Directories; Modify Files or Directories; Bypass Protection Mechanism
An attacker may be able to traverse the file system to unintended locations and read or overwrite the contents of unexpected files. If the files are used for a security mechanism then an attacker may be able to bypass the mechanism.
Other
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
Windows simple shortcuts, sometimes referred to as soft links, can be exploited remotely since a ".LNK" file can be uploaded like a normal file. This can enable remote execution.
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