CVE-2020-14343CWE-20

A vulnerability was discovered in the PyYAML library in versions before 5.4, where it is susceptible to arbitrary code execution when it processes untrusted…

published February 9, 2021

CVSS
—
EPSS
6%
Percentile
93.3
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 A sneaky vulnerability lurks in the PyYAML library, where processing untrusted YAML files could open the door to arbitrary code execution! 🔥 Think of this like a trusted chef who blindly follows a recipe, even when it calls for dangerous ingredients. If the chef doesn’t double-check the recipe, the results could be catastrophic! An attacker could craft a malicious YAML file that, when processed, allows them to run arbitrary code on your system. This could lead to compromising sensitive data or even taking control of the servers running your application. With untrusted input coming from all directions, this vulnerability might just be the recipe for disaster!

Put simply

Think of this like a trusted chef who blindly follows a recipe, even when it calls for dangerous ingredients. If the chef doesn’t double-check the recipe, the results could be catastrophic! This vulnerability in PyYAML (versions before 5.4) is triggered when untrusted input is parsed using the full_load method or with the FullLoader loader. It exploits an incomplete fix from a previous CVE, allowing arbitrary code execution through the python/object/new constructor.

What to do

An attacker could craft a malicious YAML file that, when processed, allows them to run arbitrary code on your system. This could lead to compromising sensitive data or even taking control of the servers running your application. With untrusted input coming from all directions, this vulnerability might just be the recipe for disaster! Upgrade your PyYAML library to version 5.4 or later as soon as possible to eliminate this vulnerability. Always validate and sanitize any YAML files processed by your applications, especially those coming from untrusted sources. Consider implementing additional security checks to bolster your defenses. You've got this! Secure your application by following these steps and protect yourself from potential exploits! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.05984 · 93.3th percentile
Weakness
CWE-20 · Improper Input Validation
Published
2021-02-09T00:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 09 FEB 00:00Z
    A vulnerability was discovered in the PyYAML library in versions before 5.4, where it is susceptible to arbitrary code execution when it processes untrusted…
    cvelistv5