Is CVE-2012-5379 actively exploited?

A proof-of-concept exploit is publicly available for CVE-2012-5379, but active exploitation has not been confirmed.

Can CVE-2012-5379 be exploited remotely?

No. CVE-2012-5379 requires local access to exploit.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2012-5379?

CVE-2012-5379 has a CVSS score of 7.3 (HIGH).

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2012-5379

HIGHPOC

CVE-2012-5379

NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: October 11, 2012· Updated: Jun 16, 2026

7.3

CVSS v3.1

Official 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

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2012-5379 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.3.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2012-5379. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.