CVE-2005-2875 in Py2Play
Summary
by MITRE
Py2Play allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Python code via pickled objects, which Py2Play unpickles and executes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2875 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Py2Play application that processes untrusted data through Python's pickle module. This vulnerability stems from the unsafe deserialization practices employed by the application, where user-supplied pickled objects are directly unpickled and executed without proper validation or sanitization. The pickle module in Python is designed for serializing and deserializing Python objects, but when used improperly, it can become a vector for remote code execution attacks. Attackers can craft malicious pickled objects that contain executable code, which when processed by Py2Play, will execute arbitrary Python commands on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Py2Play receives pickled data from an untrusted source and subsequently uses the pickle.loads() or pickle.load() functions to deserialize the data. According to CWE-502, this represents a dangerous use of the pickle module where untrusted data is deserialized, creating a path for arbitrary code execution. The flaw exists at the core of how the application handles data processing, specifically in the deserialization phase where the system blindly trusts incoming serialized objects. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.006 which describes the use of remote code execution through the manipulation of serialized objects and the execution of code via deserialization attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to gain complete control over the affected system. An attacker can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the Py2Play process, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or use as a foothold for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects any system running Py2Play that accepts user input through pickled objects, making it particularly dangerous in web applications or services that process external data. The exploitability is high since the attack requires minimal prerequisites beyond sending specially crafted pickled data to the vulnerable service. Organizations using Py2Play in production environments face significant risk if this vulnerability is not addressed, as it can be exploited without requiring authentication or specialized knowledge beyond understanding the pickle module's behavior.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the fundamental flaw in the application's data handling practices. The primary recommendation is to eliminate the use of pickle for deserializing untrusted data entirely, replacing it with safer serialization formats such as JSON or XML that do not support arbitrary code execution. When pickle must be used, proper input validation and sanitization should be implemented to verify the integrity and safety of serialized data. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable components. Organizations should also consider implementing application firewalls or intrusion detection systems that can detect and block suspicious pickle data patterns. The fix should also include code reviews to identify all potential uses of pickle.load() or pickle.loads() functions and ensure they are properly secured. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and avoiding dangerous functions that can lead to remote code execution, particularly when dealing with untrusted input data.