PyMOL 2.5.0 PYM File improper authorization

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability labeled as critical has been found in PyMOL 2.5.0. This impacts an unknown function of the component PYM File Handler. Executing a manipulation can lead to improper authorization. This vulnerability is registered as CVE-2024-50636. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. No exploit is available.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in PyMOL 2.5.0. It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects an unknown part of the component PYM File Handler. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a improper authorization vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-285. The product does not perform or incorrectly performs an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

PyMOL 2.5.0 contains a vulnerability in its "Run Script" function, which allows the execution of arbitrary Python code embedded within .PYM files. Attackers can craft a malicious .PYM file containing a Python reverse shell payload and exploit the function to achieve Remote Command Execution (RCE). This vulnerability arises because PyMOL treats .PYM files as Python scripts without properly validating or restricting the commands within the script, enabling attackers to run unauthorized commands in the context of the user running the application.

The advisory is available at github.com. This vulnerability was named CVE-2024-50636 since 10/28/2024. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack can be initiated remotely. The technical details are unknown and an exploit is not available. The structure of the vulnerability defines a possible price range of USD $0-$5k at the moment (estimation calculated on 09/04/2025). This vulnerability is assigned to T1548.002 by the MITRE ATT&CK project.

The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 261117 (Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2024-50636), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

There is no information about possible countermeasures known. It may be suggested to replace the affected object with an alternative product.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at Tenable (261117). If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.

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• PyMOL

Version

• 2.5.0

CPE 2.3info

• 🔍

CPE 2.2info

• 🔍

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If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.

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