CVE-2025-47273: setuptools has a path traversal vulnerability in PackageIndex.download that leads to Arbitrary File Write
Summary A path traversal vulnerability in PackageIndex was fixed in setuptools version 78.1.1
Details def downloadurl(self, url, tmpdir): # Determine download filename # name, fragment = egginfoforurl(url) if name: while '..' in name: name = name.replace('..', '.').replace('\\', '') else: name = "downloaded" # default if URL has no path contents
if name.endswith('.egg.zip'): name = name[:-4] # strip the extra .zip before download
--> filename = os.path.join(tmpdir, name)
Here: https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/blob/6ead555c5fb29bc57fe6105b1bffc163f56fd558/setuptools/packageindex.py#L810C1-L825C88
os.path.join() discards the first argument tmpdir if the second begins with a slash or drive letter. name is derived from a URL without sufficient sanitization. While there is some attempt to sanitize by replacing instances of '..' with '.', it is insufficient.
Risk Assessment As easyinstall and packageindex are deprecated, the exploitation surface is reduced. However, it seems this could be exploited in a similar fashion like https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-r9hx-vwmv-q579, and as described by POC 4 in https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-cx63-2mw6-8hw5 report: via malicious URLs present on the pages of a package index.
Impact An attacker would be allowed to write files to arbitrary locations on the filesystem with the permissions of the process running the Python code, which could escalate to RCE depending on the context.
References https://huntr.com/bounties/d6362117-ad57-4e83-951f-b8141c6e7ca5 https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/issues/4946
Other sources
setuptools has a path traversal vulnerability in PackageIndex.download that leads to Arbitrary File Write
— Microsoft
setuptools is a package that allows users to download, build, install, upgrade, and uninstall Python packages. A path traversal vulnerability in PackageIndex is present in setuptools prior to version 78.1.1. An attacker would be allowed to write files to arbitrary locations on the filesystem with the permissions of the process running the Python code, which could escalate to remote code execution depending on the context. Version 78.1.1 fixes the issue.
— MITRE
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
pip/setuptoolsto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 78.1.1 - Upgrade
Upgrade
setuptools/PackageIndexto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 78.1.1
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-47273?
CVE-2025-47273 has a medium severity rating due to its path traversal vulnerability that can lead to arbitrary file writing.
How do I fix CVE-2025-47273?
To fix CVE-2025-47273, upgrade setuptools to version 78.1.1 or later.
What does CVE-2025-47273 affect?
CVE-2025-47273 affects setuptools versions prior to 78.1.1.
What is a path traversal vulnerability like in CVE-2025-47273?
A path traversal vulnerability like CVE-2025-47273 allows attackers to write files to arbitrary locations on the filesystem.
Who is responsible for the CVE-2025-47273 vulnerability?
The CVE-2025-47273 vulnerability is related to the setuptools package maintained by the Python Software Foundation.