CVE-2026-113724

What it is

virtualenv is a tool for creating isolated virtual python environments. Prior to 21.14.9, the safe_delete() deletion error handler responds to a failed removal by reading mode bits with os.lstat(path) and applying owner-write permission with os.chmod(path, ...), which follows a symlink. A planted link inside a read-only directory can therefore cause a victim-owned target outside the destination that is initially not writable by the invoking user to become broadly writable before the retry fails, provided that user owns the target and can change its mode. Another account can use the widened mode only if it can traverse the target's parent directories; root does not reach the demonstrated failure path, and the operation does not itself read the target. This issue is fixed in version 21.14.9.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-10-20 20:17 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-27 12:17 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 4.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-10-20 20:17 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-27 12:17 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-59

Record status

Undergoing Analysis

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 4.5

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

Low

Availability

Low

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-113724.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-113724. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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