HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2020-15523
HIGH

CVE-2020-15523

CWE-427Published: July 4, 2020· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

7.8
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

In Python 3.6 through 3.6.10, 3.7 through 3.7.8, 3.8 through 3.8.4rc1, and 3.9 through 3.9.0b4 on Windows, a Trojan horse python3.dll might be used in cases where CPython is embedded in a native application. This occurs because python3X.dll may use an invalid search path for python3.dll loading (after Py_SetPath has been used). NOTE: this issue CANNOT occur when using python.exe from a standard (non-embedded) Python installation on Windows.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2020-15523 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation does not require any privileges, though user interaction (Required) is needed, which slightly reduces the risk of mass automated attacks.

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 7.8.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionRequired
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected Vendors & Products

Microsoft1 product(s)
windows
netapp1 product(s)
snapcenter
Python1 product(s)
python
Source: NVD CPE · 5 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
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Official Patches & Advisories

PATCHhttps://bugs.python.org/issue29778
PATCHhttps://github.com/python/cpython/pull/21297
PATCHhttps://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20210312-0004/
PATCHhttps://bugs.python.org/issue29778
PATCHhttps://github.com/python/cpython/pull/21297
PATCHhttps://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20210312-0004/

All References (6)

→
https://bugs.python.org/issue29778Issue Tracking · Patch · Vendor Advisory
→
https://github.com/python/cpython/pull/21297Patch · Third Party Advisory
→
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20210312-0004/Issue Tracking · Patch · Third Party Advisory
→
https://bugs.python.org/issue29778Issue Tracking · Patch · Vendor Advisory
→
https://github.com/python/cpython/pull/21297Patch · Third Party Advisory
→
https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20210312-0004/Issue Tracking · Patch · Third Party Advisory

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2020-15523
CVSS Score7.8 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-427
CISA KEVNo
Affected3 vendor(s)
PublishedJul 4, 2020

Related CVEs (CWE-427)

CVE-2025-4981
9.9
CVE-2023-41790
9.8
CVE-2023-41117
9.8
CVE-2022-34825
9.8
CVE-2023-31543
9.8
CVE-2019-25268
9.8

Recommended Actions

  • →Apply vendor patches immediately
  • →Monitor CVE-2020-15523 in threat intel feeds
  • →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWatch. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.
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