# CVE-2023-6507: Groups not dropped before running subprocess when using empty 'extra_groups' parameter

CVE-2023-6507 is fixed in 2 products on 1 platform, first by Python 3.12 3.12.1, released December 7, 2023. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: Routine.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2023-6507
- Priority: Routine
- CVSS: 4.9
- EPSS: 0.0134
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: Dec 8, 2023
- Weakness: CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management
- Vendor advisory: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-6507

## 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`).

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows apps | Python 3.12 | 3.12.1 | [Python 3.12 3.12.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/windows-app/python.python.3.12-3.12.1.md) | Dec 7, 2023 |
| Windows apps | Python 3.13 | 3.13.1 | [Python 3.13 3.13.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/windows-app/python.python.3.13-3.13.1.md) | Dec 3, 2024 |

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Data as of 2026-11-08T00:53:09Z UTC. Source: Patchblox Patch Radar (https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar). Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo

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