How severe is CVE-2012-5379?

CVE-2012-5379 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2012-5379 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (65th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2012-5379?

CVE-2012-5379 affects Activestate Activepython. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2012-5379?

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

When was CVE-2012-5379 published?

CVE-2012-5379 was published on 2012-10-11 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2012-5379

CVE-2012-5379 is a high-severity vulnerability in Activestate Activepython with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.3)
CVSS v2: 6.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (65th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Activestate Activepython
Published: 2012-10-11
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Untrusted search path vulnerability in the installation functionality in ActivePython 3.2.2.3, when installed in the top-level C:\ directory, might allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in the C:\Python27 or C:\Python27\Scripts directory, which may be added to the PATH system environment variable by an administrator, as demonstrated by a Trojan horse wlbsctrl.dll file used by the "IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules" system service in Windows Vista SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP2, Windows 7 SP1, and Windows 8 Release Preview. NOTE: CVE disputes this issue because the unsafe PATH is established only by a separate administrative action that is not a default part of the ActivePython installation

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2012-5379?: Untrusted search path vulnerability in the installation functionality in ActivePython 3.2.2.3, when installed in the top-level C:\ directory, might allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in the C:\Python27 or C:\Python27\Scripts directory, which may be added to the PATH system environment variable by an administrator, as demonstrated by a Trojan horse wlbsctrl.dll file used by the "IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules" system service in Windows Vista SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP2, Windows 7 SP1, and Windows 8 Release Preview. NOTE: CVE disputes this issue because the unsafe PATH is established only by a separate administrative action that is not a default part of the ActivePython installation
How severe is CVE-2012-5379?: CVE-2012-5379 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2012-5379 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (65th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2012-5379?: CVE-2012-5379 affects Activestate Activepython. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2012-5379?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2012-5379 published?: CVE-2012-5379 was published on 2012-10-11 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

https://www.htbridge.com/advisory/HTB23108

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:activestate:activepython:3.2.2.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Activestate Activepython

CVE-2002-0131 — Medium (CVSS 5.0): ActivePython ActiveX control for Python in the AXScript package, when used in Internet Explorer, does not prevent a…

All CVEs affecting Activestate Activepython →