CVE-2026-115586: Command Injection

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.

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Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-78 OS Command Injection

References

Other References

https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/commit/3598e201f6f044e389136b2347a8a919ac03c5f4 https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/pull/3466 https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/releases/tag/21.14.13 https://github.com/pypa/virtualenv/security/advisories/GHSA-cx6f-vjhg-g3cc

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-115586? +

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.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2026-115586? +

You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

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