CVE-2008-1721Python Vulnerability
python: integer signedness error in the zlib extension module
Published Apr 9, 2008 · Updated Mar 9, 2026 · Also known as PSF-2008-2
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2008-1721 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v2) affecting Python, Ubuntu Linux (Canonical), Debian Linux and 14 more products.
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. A public exploit is reported by tracking sources, but no code link is listed yet.
- EPSS estimates a 23% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including libpython2_7-1_0 2.7.17-7.32.1, Python 0:2.3.4-14.7.el4_8.2, Python 0:2.4.3-24.el5_3.6.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v2
7.5
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
23%
Higher than 97.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
40/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
Public exploit code
1
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
1
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
- advisoryhttp://bugs.python.org/issue2586
- advisoryAPPLE-SA-2009-02-12
- advisoryRHSA-2009:1176
- advisoryRHSA-2009:1177
- advisoryhttps://bugzilla.suse.com/1027282
- advisoryhttps://bugzilla.suse.com/1041090
Description
Integer signedness error in the zlib extension module in Python 2.5.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a negative signed integer, which triggers insufficient memory allocation and a buffer overflow.
Affected Products
45 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| PythonPython | See advisory | 2.4.6 |
| Ubuntu LinuxCanonical | 6.06, 7.04, 7.10, 8.04 | n/a |
| Debian LinuxDebian | 4.0 | n/a |
| python2.4debian | See advisory | 2.4.4-3+etch1 |
| python2.5debian | See advisory | 2.5-5+etch1 |
Patched Releases
libpython2_7-1_0
2.7.17-7.32.1
Python
0:2.3.4-14.7.el4_8.2, 0:2.4.3-24.el5_3.6, 2.4.3-24.el5_3.6, 2.7.17-7.32.2, 2.7.18-8.1, 2.4.6
python-32bit
2.7.18-8.1
python-base
2.7.17-7.32.1
python-curses
2.7.17-7.32.2, 2.7.18-8.1
python-demo
2.7.18-8.1
python-devel
2.4.3-24.el5_3.6, 2.7.17-7.32.1
python-gdbm
2.7.17-7.32.2, 2.7.18-8.1
python-idle
2.7.18-8.1
python-tk
2.7.17-7.32.2, 2.7.18-8.1
python-tools
2.4.3-24.el5_3.6
python-xml
2.7.17-7.32.1
python2.4
2.4.4-3+etch1
python2.5
2.5-5+etch1
tkinter
2.4.3-24.el5_3.6
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Apr 9, 2008
Last updated
Mar 9, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-681 Incorrect Conversion between Numeric Types
References
- advisorybugs.python.org · issue2586
- advisoryAPPLE-SA-2009-02-12
- advisoryRHSA-2009:1176
- advisoryRHSA-2009:1177
- advisorybugzilla.suse.com · 1027282
FAQ
Common Questions.
Integer signedness error in the zlib extension module in Python 2.5.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a negative signed integer, which triggers insufficient memory allocation and a buffer overflow.
Affected: Python; Ubuntu Linux (Canonical) versions 6.06, 7.04, 7.10, 8.04; Debian Linux versions 4.0, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
A public exploit is reported by tracking sources, but no code link is listed yet.
Fixed versions are available, including libpython2_7-1_0 2.7.17-7.32.1, Python 0:2.3.4-14.7.el4_8.2, Python 0:2.4.3-24.el5_3.6.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2008-1721 On Your Attack Surface?
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