How severe is CVE-2015-5652?

CVE-2015-5652 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2015-5652 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (44th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2015-5652?

CVE-2015-5652 affects Python. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2015-5652?

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-2015-5652 published?

CVE-2015-5652 was published on 2015-10-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2015-5652

CVE-2015-5652 is a high-severity vulnerability in Python with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (44th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Python
Published: 2015-10-06
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Untrusted search path vulnerability in python.exe in Python through 3.5.0 on Windows allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse readline.pyd file in the current working directory. NOTE: the vendor says "It was determined that this is a longtime behavior of Python that cannot really be altered at this point."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2015-5652?: Untrusted search path vulnerability in python.exe in Python through 3.5.0 on Windows allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse readline.pyd file in the current working directory. NOTE: the vendor says "It was determined that this is a longtime behavior of Python that cannot really be altered at this point."
How severe is CVE-2015-5652?: CVE-2015-5652 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2015-5652 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (44th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2015-5652?: CVE-2015-5652 affects Python. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2015-5652?: 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-2015-5652 published?: CVE-2015-5652 was published on 2015-10-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:python:python:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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Threat intelligence

Threat-intel indicators referencing this CVE:

203.192.232.180 (ipv4-addr)
177.53.215.134 (ipv4-addr)
5.99.196.202 (ipv4-addr)
121.164.135.251 (ipv4-addr)
182.180.59.208 (ipv4-addr)