CVE-2012-5379: Untrusted search path vulnerability in the installation functionality in ActivePython 3.2.2.3, when installed

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HIGH 7.3DOWNGRADE

CVE-2012-5379 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.3) affecting activepython. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

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

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.3 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	1.2% (top 31%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2012-10-11
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: activestate

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2012-10-11 10:51 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:46 UTCUpdated Record last modified

activestate activepython DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.2.2.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.2.2.3

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy activepython || rpm -q activepython || activepython --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.2.2.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison activepython sudo apt install activepython=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2.2.3> sudo apt-mark hold activepython

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list activepython sudo dnf downgrade activepython-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2.2.3> sudo dnf versionlock add activepython

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keyring Modules Service (IKEEXT) - Missing DLL (Metasploit)

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2012-5379?

activepython: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2012-5379 being exploited?

CVE-2012-5379 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2012-5379 affect?

CVE-2012-5379 affects activepython. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). 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:\Python2

How urgent is CVE-2012-5379?

Priority 48/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2002-0131 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE ActivePython ActiveX control for Python in the AXScript package, when used in Internet Explorer, does not prev

References

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