Ubuntu Fixes Multiple Python 2.7 Vulnerabilities in 22.04 and 20.04
Ubuntu has recently addressed multiple security vulnerabilities affecting Python 2.7 in both the 22.04 LTS and 20.04 LTS releases. These vulnerabilities, if exploited, could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, crash systems, or even compromise sensitive data. With Python 2.7 still a core part of many applications and services, it’s crucial that administrators ensure their systems are patched against these threats.
Python 2.7 Vulnerabilities Details
Let’s take a closer look at the vulnerabilities that Ubuntu has recently patched:
CVE-2022-48560
This vulnerability arises from Python’s improper handling of certain scripts. An attacker could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code, putting your data and operations at serious risk.
CVE-2022-48565
This issue is related to Python’s failure to correctly handle XML entity declarations in plist files. Through this flaw, attackers could perform an XML External Entity (XXE) injection, potentially leading to denial of service (DoS) or exposure of sensitive data.
CVE-2022-48566
Here, Python’s handling of crypto operations lacks constant-time processing. This could allow attackers to exploit timing attacks, extracting sensitive information from cryptographic operations, such as passwords or keys.
CVE-2023-24329
This vulnerability stems from Python’s improper handling of specific inputs. If tricked into processing a malicious input, a remote attacker could exploit this flaw to trigger a denial of service (DoS).
CVE-2023-40217
This issue involves Python’s handling of SSL/TLS sockets. Specifically, it allows attackers to bypass the TLS handshake, leading to unauthenticated data being treated as authenticated. This could result in the system accepting malicious data during the handshake.
Patching Python 2.7 Vulnerabilities in EOL Ubuntu Systems
The above vulnerabilities have been fixed in Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. Applying the latest security updates is essential to protect these systems. However, for users and organizations still using Ubuntu versions that have already reached their End of Life (EOL), such as 16.04 or 18.04, official security updates are no longer available unless they are enrolled in a Ubuntu Pro subscription.
Alternatively, they can utilize a more cost-effective solution, TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support, which provides ongoing vulnerability patches to protect their end-of-life Ubuntu systems beyond the vendor-supported lifecycle.
Unlike the costly Ubuntu Pro, TuxCare offers affordable extended security maintenance with vendor-grade security updates, allowing you to secure your infrastructure and migrate at your own pace — without the pressure of immediate upgrades.
Conclusion
Ensuring your systems remain secure, even after reaching the end of life, is essential for protecting critical infrastructure. With TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support, you can continue receiving essential security patches for Ubuntu 16.04 and Ubuntu 18.04 without rushing into costly upgrades.
The ELS team has already released patches for these Python 2.7 vulnerabilities, you can find more details on the CVE tracker page. In addition to Python, TuxCare’s ELS covers over 140 packages for Ubuntu 16.04 and 18.04, including essential components like the Linux kernel, OpenSSL, glibc, OpenSSH, OpenJDK, PHP, and Apache. View all the supported packages here.
Source: USN-7180-1


