CVE-2014-4650Python Path Traversal
The CGIHTTPServer module in Python 2.7.5 and 3.3.4 does not properly handle URLs in which URL encoding is used for path separators, which allows remote attackers to read script source code or conduct directory traversal attacks and execute unintended code via a crafted character…
Published Feb 20, 2020 · Updated Aug 11, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2014-4650, UBUNTU-CVE-2014-4650
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2014-4650 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Python, Software Collections (Redhat), Enterprise Linux (Redhat) and 22 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 24% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including libpython2_7-1_0 2.7.12-1.4, libpython2_7-1_0 2.7.17-7.32.1, libpython2_7-1_0 2.7.9-14.1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
24%
Higher than 97.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
43/100
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
0
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
Description
The CGIHTTPServer module in Python 2.7.5 and 3.3.4 does not properly handle URLs in which URL encoding is used for path separators, which allows remote attackers to read script source code or conduct directory traversal attacks and execute unintended code via a crafted character sequence, as demonstrated by a %2f separator.
Affected Products
283 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| PythonPython | See advisory | 2.7.8 |
| Software CollectionsRedhat | See advisory | n/a |
| Enterprise LinuxRedhat | 5.0, 6.0, 7.0 | n/a |
| python2.7debian | See advisory | 2.7.8-1 |
| python3.4ubuntu | See advisory | 3.4.0-2ubuntu1.1 |
Patched Releases
libpython2_7-1_0
2.7.12-1.4, 2.7.17-7.32.1, 2.7.9-14.1
libpython2_7-1_0-32bit
2.7.12-1.4, 2.7.9-14.1
libpython3_4m1_0
3.4.5-8.1
libpython3_4m1_0-32bit
3.4.5-8.1
libpython3_5m1_0
3.5.1-3.6
libpython3_5m1_0-32bit
3.5.1-3.6
libpython3_6m1_0
3.6.10-3.42.2, 3.6.10-lp151.6.7.1
libpython3_6m1_0-32bit
3.6.10-lp151.6.7.1
Python
0:2.6.6-64.el6, 0:2.7.5-34.el7, 2.6.6-64.0.1.el6, 2.7.17-7.32.2, 2.7.18-8.1, 2.7.5-34.0.1.el7, 2.7.9-14.1, 2.7.8
python-32bit
2.7.18-8.1, 2.7.9-14.1
python-base
2.7.12-1.4, 2.7.17-7.32.1, 2.7.9-14.1
python-base-32bit
2.7.12-1.4, 2.7.9-14.1
python-curses
2.7.17-7.32.2, 2.7.18-8.1, 2.7.9-14.1
python-debug
2.7.5-34.0.1.el7
python-demo
2.7.18-8.1, 2.7.9-14.1
python-devel
2.6.6-64.0.1.el6, 2.7.12-1.4, 2.7.17-7.32.1, 2.7.5-34.0.1.el7, 2.7.9-14.1
python-doc
2.7.9-14.3
python-doc-pdf
2.7.9-14.3
python-gdbm
2.7.17-7.32.2, 2.7.18-8.1, 2.7.9-14.1
python-idle
2.7.18-8.1, 2.7.9-14.1
python-libs
2.6.6-64.0.1.el6, 2.7.5-34.0.1.el7
python-test
2.6.6-64.0.1.el6, 2.7.5-34.0.1.el7
python-tk
2.7.17-7.32.2, 2.7.18-8.1, 2.7.9-14.1
python-tools
2.6.6-64.0.1.el6, 2.7.5-34.0.1.el7
python-xml
2.7.12-1.4, 2.7.17-7.32.1, 2.7.9-14.1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Feb 20, 2020
Last updated
Aug 11, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
- CWE-138 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements
References
- advisoryRed Hat
- advisorysecurity-tracker.debian.org · CVE-2014-4650
- advisoryubuntu.com · CVE-2014-4650
- advisorycve.org · CVERecord
- advisoryopenwall.com · 3
FAQ
Common Questions.
The CGIHTTPServer module in Python 2.7.5 and 3.3.4 does not properly handle URLs in which URL encoding is used for path separators, which allows remote attackers to read script source code or conduct directory traversal attacks and execute unintended code via a crafted character sequence, as demonstrated by a %2f sepa…
Affected: Python; Software Collections (Redhat); Enterprise Linux (Redhat) versions 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 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 2.7.12-1.4, libpython2_7-1_0 2.7.17-7.32.1, libpython2_7-1_0 2.7.9-14.1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
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