CVE-2022-39286 in Jupyter
Summary
by MITRE • 10/27/2022
Jupyter Core is a package for the core common functionality of Jupyter projects. Jupyter Core prior to version 4.11.2 contains an arbitrary code execution vulnerability in `jupyter_core` that stems from `jupyter_core` executing untrusted files in CWD. This vulnerability allows one user to run code as another. Version 4.11.2 contains a patch for this issue. There are no known workarounds.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-39286 affects Jupyter Core, a fundamental component serving as the core common functionality for all Jupyter projects including JupyterLab and Jupyter Notebook. This security flaw exists in versions prior to 4.11.2 and represents a critical arbitrary code execution vulnerability that fundamentally undermines the security model of Jupyter environments. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of untrusted files within the current working directory during execution processes, creating a privilege escalation scenario where one user can execute code as another user within the same system environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the core file execution mechanisms of jupyter_core where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize file paths before executing them. This flaw allows attackers to place malicious files in the current working directory and have them executed by the jupyter_core process, effectively bypassing normal user permissions and privilege boundaries. The vulnerability specifically impacts the execution flow when jupyter_core processes files that are not properly validated, creating a path traversal and code execution vector that can be exploited to run arbitrary commands with the privileges of the executing user.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using Jupyter environments for data science, research, and development activities. The ability for one user to execute code as another user creates a serious privilege escalation threat that can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive data, escalate privileges, install backdoors, or perform lateral movement within the network. The impact is particularly severe in multi-user environments where different users may have varying levels of access and security clearance, as the vulnerability allows unauthorized code execution across user boundaries.
The patch included in version 4.11.2 addresses this vulnerability by implementing proper file validation and sanitization mechanisms within the jupyter_core execution flow. Organizations should immediately upgrade to this patched version to mitigate the risk. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-22 categories related to command injection and path traversal respectively, and maps to ATT&CK techniques such as T1059.001 for command and script injection and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments. Given the lack of known workarounds, organizations should conduct immediate vulnerability assessments of their Jupyter installations, review user access controls, and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors while upgrading to the patched version.