How severe is CVE-2019-13404?

CVE-2019-13404 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2019-13404 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (66th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2019-13404?

CVE-2019-13404 affects Python. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2019-13404?

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-2019-13404 published?

CVE-2019-13404 was published on 2019-07-08 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2019-13404

CVE-2019-13404 is a high-severity vulnerability in Python with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-552.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (66th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-552
Affected product: Python
Published: 2019-07-08
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The MSI installer for Python through 2.7.16 on Windows defaults to the C:\Python27 directory, which makes it easier for local users to deploy Trojan horse code. (This also affects old 3.x releases before 3.5.) NOTE: the vendor's position is that it is the user's responsibility to ensure C:\Python27 access control or choose a different directory, because backwards compatibility requires that C:\Python27 remain the default for 2.7.x

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-13404?: The MSI installer for Python through 2.7.16 on Windows defaults to the C:\Python27 directory, which makes it easier for local users to deploy Trojan horse code. (This also affects old 3.x releases before 3.5.) NOTE: the vendor's position is that it is the user's responsibility to ensure C:\Python27 access control or choose a different directory, because backwards compatibility requires that C:\Python27 remain the default for 2.7.x
How severe is CVE-2019-13404?: CVE-2019-13404 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2019-13404 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (66th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-13404?: CVE-2019-13404 affects Python. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-13404?: 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-2019-13404 published?: CVE-2019-13404 was published on 2019-07-08 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://docs.python.org/2/faq/windows.html

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)