CVE-2013-1629 in pip
Summary
by MITRE
pip before 1.3 uses HTTP to retrieve packages from the PyPI repository, and does not perform integrity checks on package contents, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted response to a "pip install" operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1629 represents a critical security flaw in the Python package management system known as pip. This issue affects pip versions prior to 1.3 and stems from the software's reliance on unencrypted HTTP connections when communicating with the Python Package Index repository. The fundamental problem lies in the absence of integrity verification mechanisms that would normally validate the authenticity and integrity of downloaded package contents. This design flaw creates a significant attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to compromise systems during routine package installation operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers positioned in a man-in-the-middle position to intercept and manipulate network traffic between the pip client and the PyPI server. When users execute pip install commands, the system establishes HTTP connections to retrieve package metadata and distribution files without implementing cryptographic verification or checksum validation. This means that an attacker who can intercept the communication channel can inject malicious code into package downloads, effectively bypassing the normal security controls that would typically protect against such attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the trust model that pip relies upon, where package integrity is assumed rather than verified.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security of Python development environments and production systems. Any organization or individual using pip versions before 1.3 is potentially vulnerable to supply chain attacks where malicious packages can be silently installed, leading to data breaches, system compromise, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates during routine administrative tasks, making detection difficult and exploitation relatively straightforward. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and trust verification that security frameworks such as the CWE-310 (Cryptographic Issues) and CWE-347 (Improper Verification of Cryptographic Signature) address. The attack surface encompasses all systems where pip is used for package installation, including development workstations, continuous integration systems, and production servers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1629 focus primarily on upgrading pip to version 1.3 or later, which introduced HTTPS support and package integrity verification mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate patching procedures to ensure all pip installations are updated to secure versions. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate man-in-the-middle attacks. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) by addressing the root cause of trust violations in package management. Organizations should also establish secure software supply chain practices including the use of trusted package repositories, implementation of package signature verification, and regular security audits of installed packages to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.