# CVE-2026-85864: Python privilege management local elevation

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-85864-improper-privilege-management-in-python-allows-an-authorized  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-13. Updated: 2026-10-16  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-85864 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-10-13

Python, the widely-used programming language, contains a flaw in how it manages user permissions on local systems. An attacker who already has an account on the system can exploit this to gain administrator or root-level access, potentially taking complete control of the machine.

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-85864 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-85864 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-85864?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 13 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Python.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-85864?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-85864 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-85864?** Check whether you run Python. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

The vulnerability is a privilege escalation flaw in Python's privilege management mechanism. It requires an authenticated attacker with local system access and allows elevation to higher privileges. The attack vector is local; no network access or user interaction is required beyond initial authentication.

## Affected products

- Python

## Timeline

- 2026-10-13: disclosed

## References

- [https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-85864](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-85864)