CVE-2019-9948

CVE-2019-9948 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Python with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.1. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 12% places it in the 96th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-22.

Key facts

Description

urllib in Python 2.x through 2.7.16 supports the local_file: scheme, which makes it easier for remote attackers to bypass protection mechanisms that blacklist file: URIs, as demonstrated by triggering a urllib.urlopen('local_file:///etc/passwd') call.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-9948?
urllib in Python 2.x through 2.7.16 supports the local_file: scheme, which makes it easier for remote attackers to bypass protection mechanisms that blacklist file: URIs, as demonstrated by triggering a urllib.urlopen('local_file:///etc/passwd') call.
How severe is CVE-2019-9948?
CVE-2019-9948 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.1, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2019-9948 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 12% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-9948?
CVE-2019-9948 primarily affects Python. In total, 26 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-9948?
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-2019-9948 published?
CVE-2019-9948 was published on 2019-03-23 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (26)

More vulnerabilities in Python

All CVEs affecting Python →

Other CWE-22 (Path Traversal) vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-22 (Path Traversal) vulnerabilities →

Threat intelligence

Threat-intel indicators referencing this CVE: