Python virtualenv: From 21.14.9 until 21.14.13, the bash bin/activate script can copy an attacker-controlled --prompt
Affects python-virtualenvSource GCVE Database
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.1 High · fixed in 21.14.13 : patch python-virtualenv soon.
Data as of 28 Oct 2026, 22:31 UTC
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 21.14.13
CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:H/AT:P/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:NExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 23 Oct 2026
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
Ubuntu 26.10python-virtualenvpkg:deb/ubuntu/python-virtualenv?arch=source&distro=stonkingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSpython-virtualenvpkg:deb/ubuntu/python-virtualenv?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu Pro 24.04 LTSpython-virtualenvpkg:deb/ubuntu/python-virtualenv?arch=source&distro=esm-apps/nobleOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu Pro 22.04 LTSpython-virtualenvpkg:deb/ubuntu/python-virtualenv?arch=source&distro=esm-apps/jammyOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu Pro 20.04 LTSpython-virtualenvpkg:deb/ubuntu/python-virtualenv?arch=source&distro=esm-apps/focalOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 18.04 LTSpython-virtualenvpkg:deb/ubuntu/python-virtualenv?arch=source&distro=bionicOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
Description
virtualenv is a tool for creating isolated virtual python environments. From 21.14.9 until 21.14.13, the bash bin/activate script can copy an attacker-controlled --prompt value into PS1 without escaping dollar signs or backticks when both promptvars and POSIX mode are disabled during activation. Re-enabling promptvars, running set -o posix, or starting an interactive child bash that inherits the exported PS1 can then expand command substitution in the stored VIRTUAL_ENV_PROMPT value and execute commands as the user who activates the environment. This issue is fixed in version 21.14.13.
References
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-115586 (opens in a new tab)
- cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-115586 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/pypa/virtualenv/commit/3598e201f6f044e389136b2347a8a919ac03c5f4 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/pypa/virtualenv/pull/3466 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/pypa/virtualenv/releases/tag/21.14.13 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/pypa/virtualenv/security/advisories/GHSA-cx6f-vjhg-g3cc (opens in a new tab)