title: Groups not dropped before running subprocess when using empty 'extra_groups' parameter
description: An issue was found in CPython 3.12.0 `subprocess` module on POSIX platforms. The issue was fixed in CPython 3.12.1 and does not affect other stable releases.
When using the `extra_groups=` parameter with an empty list as a value (ie `extra_groups=[]`) the logic regressed to not call `setgroups(0, NULL)` before calling `exec()`, thus not dropping the original processes' groups before starting the new process. There is no issue when the parameter isn't used or when any value is used besides an empty list.
This issue only impacts CPython processes run with sufficient privilege to make the `setgroups` system call (typically `root`).
problem types: CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management
affected:
{
defaultStatus: unaffected
platforms: POSIX
product: CPython
repo: https://github.com/python/cpython
vendor: Python Software Foundation
versions:
lessThan: 3.12.1, status: affected, version: 3.12.0, versionType: python
lessThan: 3.13.0a3, status: affected, version: 3.13.0a1, versionType: python
}
metrics:
cvssV3_1: [
attackComplexity: LOW
attackVector: ADJACENT_NETWORK
availabilityImpact: NONE
baseScore: 6.1
baseSeverity: MEDIUM
confidentialityImpact: HIGH
integrityImpact: HIGH
privilegesRequired: HIGH
scope: UNCHANGED
userInteraction: NONE
vectorString: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
version: 3.1
]
format: CVSS
scenarios: GENERAL