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CVE-2026-102937 · GHSA-x78j-v8h9-3j2q

virtualenv: Command injection via --prompt in activate.bat (batch activator)

Risk score
49/100
CVSS
7.3 v4.0
Exploit chance (30 days)
0.1%
Published
29 Sep 2026

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What to know

What it is
virtualenv is a tool for creating isolated virtual python environments. Prior to 21.7.12, BatchActivator.quote() returns prompt text unchanged before activate.bat inserts it into a cmd.exe set "VAR=value" statement. An attacker who influences --prompt, VIRTUALENV_PROMPT, or the corresponding configuration value can in…
Affected
virtualenv (pip) <= 21.7.11
Fix
Upgrade virtualenv to 21.7.12 or later.
Exploitation
No known exploitation

Story map

Story map: virtualenvTHE FLAWSTHE FIXCVE-2026-102937Command injection via--prompt in activate.bat (batchactivator)CVSS 7.3 · EPSS 0%CVE-2026-113725Virtualenv bash activate runscommands from anenvironment name with a…CVSS 7.8 · EPSS 0%CVE-2026-102930Downloaded seed wheels(pip/setuptools) are notintegrity-checked before useCVSS 7.7 · EPSS 0%CVE-2026-113776Virtualenv activation scriptsrun code from a path thatcontains a placeholder nameCVSS 7.8 · EPSS 0%Upgrade virtualenv21.7.12 · 21.14.7 · 21.14.2or later on your release lineWho is exposedvirtualenv (pip) <= 21.14.6YELLOW · PLAN IT INvirtualenvvirtualenv is a tool for creatingisolated virtual pythonenvironments. Prior to 21.14.7,the bash activate script escapesthe environment name for onlyone of the two passes bashmakes over PS1, so a backslash…Where it standsPublic proof of conceptCONNECTS TOSame weaknessOS command injection (CWE-78)306 other warnings in 30 days →
Story map: the flaws, the fix, how it unfolded and what it connects to. Boxes link to the record or article.

At a glance

virtualenv: Yellow, plan it in. virtualenv is a tool for creating isolated virtual python environments. Prior to 21.14.7, the bash activate script escapes the environment name for only one of the two passes bash makes over PS1, so a backslash in the name undoes the escaping and a name containing \$(...) runs as commands in the user's shell each time…

The flaws

  • CVE-2026-102937: Command injection via --prompt in activate.bat (batch activator) (CVSS 7.3 · EPSS 0%)
  • CVE-2026-113725: Virtualenv bash activate runs commands from an environment name with a backslash before $ (CVSS 7.8 · EPSS 0%)
  • CVE-2026-102930: Downloaded seed wheels (pip/setuptools) are not integrity-checked before use (CVSS 7.7 · EPSS 0%)
  • CVE-2026-113776: Virtualenv activation scripts run code from a path that contains a placeholder name (CVSS 7.8 · EPSS 0%)

The fix

Upgrade virtualenv: 21.7.12 · 21.14.7 · 21.14.2 or later on your release line

Who is exposed: virtualenv (pip) <= 21.14.6

Where it stands

  • Public proof of concept

Connects to

Why it is Yellow

  • CVSS 7.3 high
  • On your watchlist: PyPI

Affected packages

PackageEcosystemVulnerableFixed in
virtualenvpip<= 21.7.1121.7.12

References

Original description

virtualenv is a tool for creating isolated virtual python environments. Prior to 21.7.12, BatchActivator.quote() returns prompt text unchanged before activate.bat inserts it into a cmd.exe set "VAR=value" statement. An attacker who influences --prompt, VIRTUALENV_PROMPT, or the corresponding configuration value can include a double quote that closes the assignment and leaves following cmd.exe operators as executable syntax. When a user activates the generated Windows environment, the injected commands run with that user's privileges. This issue is fixed in version 21.7.12.

Last activity 29 Sep 2026. Patch Forecast updates every hour.