Disclosure summary
virtualenv is a tool for creating isolated virtual python environments. Prior to 21.7.12, BatchActivator.quote() returns prompt text unchanged before activate.bat inserts it into a cmd.exe set "VAR=value" statement. An attacker who influences --prompt, VIRTUALENV_PROMPT, or the corresponding configuration value can include a double quote that closes the assignment and leaves following cmd.exe operators as executable syntax. When a user activates the generated Windows environment, the injected commands run with that user's privileges. This issue is fixed in version 21.7.12.
Source-reported weakness categories
CWE-78
Source-specific records & product guidance
Sources retain their own attribution and scoring. Follow the original record to confirm affected versions, fixed releases, and configuration conditions.
NIST National Vulnerability Database · NVD-CVE-2026-102937
Open original source · Updated Oct 02, 2026
Only CPE matches marked vulnerable=true are indexed. AND/OR platform conditions must be checked in the original NVD record.
GitHub Reviewed Security Advisories · GHSA-x78j-v8h9-3j2q
Open original source · Updated Oct 01, 2026
virtualenv: Command injection via --prompt in activate.bat (batch activator)
Source severity: HIGH / 7.3
| Ecosystem | Package | Affected range | First patched |
|---|---|---|---|
| pip | virtualenv | 21.7.12 |
Original records & references
PUBLISHED 2026-09-29T17:17:18-04:00
MODIFIED 2026-10-02T09:17:35-04:00
INGESTED 2026-10-06T11:43:05-04:00