CVE-2025-30167: Jupyter Core on Windows Has Uncontrolled Search Path Element Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Impact
On Windows, the shared %PROGRAMDATA% directory is searched for configuration files (SYSTEMCONFIGPATH and SYSTEMJUPYTERPATH), which may allow users to create configuration files affecting other users.
Only shared Windows systems with multiple users and unprotected %PROGRAMDATA% are affected.
Mitigations
- upgrade to jupytercore>=5.8.1 (5.8.0 is patched but breaks jupyter-server) , or - as administrator, modify the permissions on the %PROGRAMDATA% directory so it is not writable by unauthorized users, or - as administrator, create the %PROGRAMDATA%\jupyter directory with appropriately restrictive permissions, or - as user or administrator, set the %PROGRAMDATA% environment variable to a directory with appropriately restrictive permissions (e.g. controlled by administrators or the current user)
Credit
Reported via Trend Micro Zero Day Initiative as ZDI-CAN-25932
Other sources
Jupyter Core is a package for the core common functionality of Jupyter projects. When using Jupyter Core prior to version 5.8.0 on Windows, the shared %PROGRAMDATA% directory is searched for configuration files (SYSTEMCONFIGPATH and SYSTEMJUPYTERPATH), which may allow users to create configuration files affecting other users. Only shared Windows systems with multiple users and unprotected %PROGRAMDATA% are affected. Users should upgrade to Jupyter Core version 5.8.0 or later to receive a patch. Some other mitigations are available. As administrator, modify the permissions on the %PROGRAMDATA% directory so it is not writable by unauthorized users; or as administrator, create the %PROGRAMDATA%\jupyter directory with appropriately restrictive permissions; or as user or administrator, set the %PROGRAMDATA% environment variable to a directory with appropriately restrictive permissions (e.g. controlled by administrators or the current user).
— MITRE
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-30167?
CVE-2025-30167 has been assessed to have a moderate severity due to the potential exposure of sensitive configuration files in shared directories.
How do I fix CVE-2025-30167?
To fix CVE-2025-30167, update Jupyter Core to version 5.8.0 or later.
What versions of Jupyter Core are affected by CVE-2025-30167?
CVE-2025-30167 affects Jupyter Core versions prior to 5.8.0.
What platforms are impacted by CVE-2025-30167?
CVE-2025-30167 specifically impacts the Windows platform.
Who is the vendor for CVE-2025-30167?
The vendor for CVE-2025-30167 is Project Jupyter.