Groups not dropped before running subprocess when using empty 'extra_groups' parameter
An issue was found in CPython 3.12.0 subprocess module on POSIX platforms. The issue was fixed in CPython 3.12.1 and does not affect other stable releases.
When using the extra_groups= parameter with an empty list as a value (ie extra_groups=[]) the logic regressed to not call setgroups(0, NULL) before calling exec(), thus not dropping the original processes' groups before starting the new process. There is no issue when the parameter isn't used or when any value is used besides an empty list.
This issue only impacts CPython processes run with sufficient privilege to make the setgroups system call (typically root).
CVE-2023-6507 is recorded against 3 packages.
Published on 11 August 2025. No public exploit is currently recorded for this entry. Record sourced from OSV.
github.com (Web)
github.com (Web)
github.com (Web)
github.com (Web)
mail.python.org (Web)
nvd.nist.gov (Web)
libpython has other advisories on record. If you are patching this one, these are worth checking on the same host:
Each distribution ships its own build and its own fixed version. Pick the one you run:
Details
Affected Packages
| Software | From version | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| libpython | — | — |
| python | — | — |
| python-min | — | — |
Similar Threats
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