CVE-2026-22702

What it is

virtualenv is a tool for creating isolated virtual python environments. Prior to version 20.36.1, TOCTOU (Time-of-Check-Time-of-Use) vulnerabilities in virtualenv allow local attackers to perform symlink-based attacks on directory creation operations. An attacker with local access can exploit a race condition between directory existence checks and creation to redirect virtualenv's app_data and lock file operations to attacker-controlled locations. This issue has been patched in version 20.36.1.

At a glance

Exploitability

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

Exploit odds

0.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-01-10 07:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 10:20 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-01-10 07:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 10:20 UTC

Exploit probability

0.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-59

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Virtualenv < 20.36.1

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