[Python-modules-team] Bug#771794: pip silently removes/updates system provided python packages

[Matthias Klose]

Package: python-pip
Version: 1.5.6-3
Severity: serious
Tags: sid jessie

pip currently silently removes/updates system provided python packages when used 
on the system python.  This is only seen when a user calls pip with 
administrator rights, but it makes debian python packages somehow useless. 
Upstream is aware of the issue.  With distutils and setuptools patched to 
install into safe locations in the distro, it is unfortunate that the next tool 
adds such features, and doesn't even warn the user.

For jessie I suggest to just disable pip when used on the system python, unless 
a new option --yes-i-want-to-screw-up-my-system-python is given.