Array index error in the scanstring function in the _json module in Python 2.7 through 3.5 and simplejson before 2.6.1 allows context-dependent attackers to read arbitrary process memory via a negative index value in the idx argument to the raw_decode function.
This vulnerability carries a MEDIUM severity rating with a CVSS v3.1 score of 5.9, indicating it can be exploited remotely over the network but requires specific conditions to be met without requiring user interaction and does not require pre-existing privileges . The vulnerability impacts confidentiality (data exposure), for affected systems. Impacting 4 products from python, from simplejson_project, from opensuse and 1 other, organizations running these solutions should prioritize assessment and patching.
First disclosed in 2017, this vulnerability was reported during a period defined by widespread IoT adoption challenges, mobile security concerns, and the emergence of advanced persistent threat (APT) techniques. Contemporary mitigation strategies focused on secure development practices and third-party component vetting.
2017-08-24T20:29:00.173
2025-04-20T01:37:25.860
Deferred
CVSSv3.1: 5.9 (MEDIUM)
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N
8.6
2.9
| Type | Vendor | Product | Version/Range | Vulnerable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application | python | python | < 2.7.7 | Yes |
| Application | python | python | < 3.2.6 | Yes |
| Application | python | python | < 3.3.6 | Yes |
| Application | python | python | < 3.4.1 | Yes |
| Application | simplejson_project | simplejson | < 2.6.1 | Yes |
| Operating System | opensuse | opensuse | 13.1 | Yes |
| Operating System | opensuse_project | opensuse | 12.3 | Yes |
SecUtils normalizes and enriches National Vulnerability Database (NVD) records by standardizing vendor and product identifiers, aggregating vulnerability metadata from both NVD and MITRE sources, and providing structured context for security teams. For python's affected products, we extract Common Platform Enumeration (CPE) data, Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) classifications, CVSS severity metrics, and reference data to enable rapid vulnerability prioritization and asset correlation. This record contains no exploit code, proof-of-concept instructions, or attack methodologies—only defensive intelligence necessary for patch management, risk assessment, and security operations.