high7.1
CVE-2026-115586
virtualenv: Bash activator leaves the --prompt value unescaped in PS1 when promptvars is off, so prompt expansion later executes it (regression in 21.14.9)
Impact
virtualenv is a tool for creating isolated virtual python environments. From 21.14.9 until 21.14.13, the bash bin/activate script can copy an attacker-controlled --prompt value into PS1 without escaping dollar signs or backticks when both promptvars and POSIX mode are disabled during activation. Re-enabling promptvars, running set -o posix, or starting an interactive child bash that inherits the exported PS1 can then expand command substitution in the stored VIRTUAL_ENV_PROMPT value and execute commands as the user who activates the environment. This issue is fixed in version 21.14.13.
Affected packages
| Ecosystem | Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| pip | virtualenv | >= 21.14.9, < 21.14.13 | 21.14.13 |
Weakness classification
References
- NVD record
- CVE.org record
- GitHub advisory
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-cx6f-vjhg-g3cc
- https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/security/advisories/GHSA-cx6f-vjhg-g3cc
- https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/pull/3466
- https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/commit/3598e201f6f044e389136b2347a8a919ac03c5f4
- https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/releases/tag/21.14.13