Patch Forecast
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CVE-2026-115586 · GHSA-cx6f-vjhg-g3cc

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)

Risk score
54/100
CVSS
7.1 v4.0
Exploit chance (30 days)
0.2%
Published
23 Oct 2026

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What to know

What it is
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…
Affected
virtualenv (pip) >= 21.14.9, < 21.14.13
Fix
Upgrade virtualenv to 21.14.13 or later.
Exploitation
Public proof of concept

Story map

Story map: virtualenvTHE FLAWSTHE FIXCVE-2026-115586Bash activator leaves the--prompt value unescaped inPS1 when promptvars is off…CVSS 7.1 · 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 virtualenv21.14.13 · 21.14.7 · 21.7.12 ·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-2026-115586: Bash activator leaves the --prompt value unescaped in PS1 when promptvars is off, so prompt expansion later executes it (regression in 21.14.9) (CVSS 7.1 · 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: 21.14.13 · 21.14.7 · 21.7.12 · 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 7.1 high
  • Public exploit or proof of concept referenced
  • On your watchlist: PyPI

Affected packages

PackageEcosystemVulnerableFixed in
virtualenvpip>= 21.14.9, < 21.14.1321.14.13

References

Original description

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.

Last activity 23 Oct 2026. Patch Forecast updates every hour.