CVE-2008-5031

CVE-2008-5031 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Python with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-189.

Key facts

• Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 10.0)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (84th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-189
• Affected product: Python
• Published: 2008-11-10
• Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Multiple integer overflows in Python 2.2.3 through 2.5.1, and 2.6, allow context-dependent attackers to have an unknown impact via a large integer value in the tabsize argument to the expandtabs method, as implemented by (1) the string_expandtabs function in Objects/stringobject.c and (2) the unicode_expandtabs function in Objects/unicodeobject.c. NOTE: this vulnerability reportedly exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2008-2315.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-5031?

Multiple integer overflows in Python 2.2.3 through 2.5.1, and 2.6, allow context-dependent attackers to have an unknown impact via a large integer value in the tabsize argument to the expandtabs method, as implemented by (1) the string_expandtabs function in Objects/stringobject.c and (2) the unicode_expandtabs function in Objects/unicodeobject.c. NOTE: this vulnerability reportedly exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2008-2315.

How severe is CVE-2008-5031?

CVE-2008-5031 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2008-5031 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (84th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-5031?

CVE-2008-5031 primarily affects Python. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-5031?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2008-5031 published?

CVE-2008-5031 was published on 2008-11-10 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

• http://lists.apple.com/archives/security-announce/2009/Feb/msg00000.html
• http://scary.beasts.org/security/CESA-2008-008.html
• http://secunia.com/advisories/33937
• http://secunia.com/advisories/35750
• http://secunia.com/advisories/37471
• http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200907-16.xml
• http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3438
• http://svn.python.org/view/python/trunk/Objects/stringobject.c?rev=61350&view=diff&r1=61350&r2=61349&p1=python/trunk/Objects/stringobject.c&p2=/python/trunk/Objects/stringobject.c
• http://svn.python.org/view/python/trunk/Objects/unicodeobject.c?rev=61350&view=diff&r1=61350&r2=61349&p1=python/trunk/Objects/unicodeobject.c&p2=/python/trunk/Objects/unicodeobject.c
• http://svn.python.org/view?rev=61350&view=rev
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/11/05/2
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/11/05/3
• http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/507985/100/0/threaded
• http://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2009-0016.html
• http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/3316
• https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/46612
• https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A11280
• https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A8564

Affected products (4)

• cpe:2.3:a:python:python:2.2.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:python:python:2.3.7:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:python:python:2.4.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:python:python:2.5.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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