CVE-2021-3177
9.8CVSSCRITICAL
Description
Python 3.x through 3.9.1 has a buffer overflow in PyCArg_repr in _ctypes/callproc.c, which may lead to remote code execution in certain Python applications that accept floating-point numbers as untrusted input, as demonstrated by a 1e300 argument to c_double.from_param. This occurs because sprintf is used unsafely.
CVSS Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
AV:NAttack VectorNetwork
AC:LAttack ComplexityLow
PR:NPrivileges RequiredNone
UI:NUser InteractionNone
Scope
S:UScopeUnchanged
Impact
C:HConfidentialityHigh
I:HIntegrityHigh
A:HAvailabilityHigh
Weaknesses
Affected Products
and 34 more affected products View all →
Attack Graph
Products CVE Techniques Tactics
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Exploitability
1 exploit source identified
Exploit details including PoC links, Metasploit modules, and scanner templates are available after registration.
View exploit details Official Patch Available
MITRE ATT&CK
2 techniques Initial Access
Privilege Escalation
References
https://bugs.python.org/issue42938
bugs.python.org
https://github.com/python/cpython/pull/24239
github.com
https://python-security.readthedocs.io/vuln/ctypes-buffer-overflow-pycarg_repr.html
python-security.readthedocs.io
and 74 more references View all →
Timeline
Published
Jan 19, 2021
Last Updated
Dec 18, 2025
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