Critical Reverse Shell Vulnerability in matlab-cli Package
Summary
MAL-2025-191785: Malicious code in matlab-cli (PyPI). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The matlab-cli package is a Python library available on PyPI that facilitates command-line interactions with MATLAB. It is designed to streamline workflows for users who need to execute MATLAB commands from a terminal environment. However, this package has been found to contain malicious code that poses a significant security risk, allowing unauthorized access to users' systems.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from malicious code embedded within the matlab-cli package, specifically in version 0 and above. When the module is imported, it initiates a reverse shell, enabling an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the victim's machine. This poses severe risks, including data theft, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
pip uninstall matlab-cliIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, avoid importing the matlab-cli package in your projects until a secure version is released. If you must use it, consider running it in a controlled environment, such as a virtual machine, to mitigate potential risks.
Conclusion
The matlab-cli package contains a critical vulnerability that allows for the execution of arbitrary commands through a reverse shell. Users are advised to uninstall the package immediately and monitor for any updates. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help ensure your applications remain secure against such vulnerabilities.
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FAQ
matlab-cli is a Python library that allows users to interact with MATLAB from the command line, enabling streamlined execution of MATLAB commands.
The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on a victim's machine by establishing a reverse shell upon importing the package.
Immediately uninstall the matlab-cli package using 'pip uninstall matlab-cli' and monitor for any updates or patches.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application against this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner without any signup.
The consequences include unauthorized access to your system, potential data breaches, and the ability for attackers to execute harmful commands.
