We need guidance regarding the Python runtime bundled with Apple Command Line Tools.
Environment: macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 (25F84) Xcode 26.6 (17F113) Device type: Mac
Command Line Tools Python path: /Library/Developer/CommandLineTools/Library/Frameworks/Python3.framework/Versions/3.9/ Version confirmed locally with: /Library/Developer/CommandLineTools/Library/Frameworks/Python3.framework/Versions/3.9/bin/python3 --version Output: Python 3.9.6
Our vulnerability-management platform, Qualys, reports this Apple Command Line Tools Python runtime as vulnerable under QID 387170, referencing CVE-2022-4303 and CVE-2023-0286. The detection points to: /Library/Developer/CommandLineTools/Library/Frameworks/Python3.framework/Versions/3.9/Resources/Python.app
My understanding is that this runtime is bundled and managed by Apple as part of Command Line Tools, and that manually replacing or modifying this framework is not a supported remediation path. Installing a separate standalone Python version also does not remediate the finding at this Apple-managed path.
Could Apple or the community confirm the supported approach for this scenario? Specifically:
Is Python 3.9.6 intentionally bundled with the current Command Line Tools release for this macOS/Xcode version?
Has Apple applied security fixes or backports to this bundled Python runtime that are not reflected in the upstream Python version number?
Is updating Command Line Tools/Xcode the only supported remediation method for this component?
Is manually replacing or modifying the bundled Python framework unsupported?
Is there any known mitigation or official guidance for vulnerability-management exceptions while waiting for an Apple-provided update?
I have also filed this through Feedback Assistant: FB23893693.
Any official Apple guidance or reference to existing documentation would be very helpful, as we need to provide an auditable response to our internal security and audit teams.
