CVE-2024-11041 in vLLM
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2025
vllm-project vllm version v0.6.2 contains a vulnerability in the MessageQueue.dequeue() API function. The function uses pickle.loads to parse received sockets directly, leading to a remote code execution vulnerability. An attacker can exploit this by sending a malicious payload to the MessageQueue, causing the victim's machine to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-11041 affects the vllm-project vllm version v0.6.2 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the MessageQueue.dequeue() API function. This vulnerability stems from the improper handling of serialized data through the pickle.loads() method, which is inherently dangerous when processing untrusted input from network sockets. The flaw exists in the core message processing mechanism of the vllm framework, making it a significant security risk for any system utilizing this version of the software.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the MessageQueue.dequeue() function's reliance on pickle.loads() for deserializing incoming socket data without proper validation or sanitization. When an attacker sends a malicious payload through the network socket interface, the pickle.loads() function interprets the serialized data and executes arbitrary code on the target system. This represents a classic deserialization vulnerability that maps directly to CWE-502, which specifically addresses "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous in distributed computing environments where network communication is prevalent.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-11041 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected systems. This vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use compromised systems as launch points for further attacks within a network. The remote exploitation capability means that adversaries can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" and T1021.004 for "Remote Services: SSH" since attackers can use the executed code to manipulate system processes and potentially establish unauthorized remote access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-11041 must focus on immediate patching of the vllm framework to version v0.6.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to MessageQueue endpoints, particularly in production environments where the vulnerability could be exploited. Additionally, implementing strict input validation and avoiding the use of pickle for network communication in favor of safer serialization formats such as JSON or XML should be prioritized. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual network traffic patterns and suspicious socket activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the dangers of using potentially unsafe deserialization methods in network-facing applications, particularly in the context of machine learning and artificial intelligence frameworks where such vulnerabilities can have far-reaching consequences.