CVE-2017-16763: YAML Parsing Arbitrary Command Execution in Confire
Summary
CVE-2017-16763: An exploitable vulnerability exists in the YAML parsing functionality in config.py in Confire 0.2.0. Affects confire across 2 version ranges.
>= 0.1.0
< 8cc86a5ec2327e070f1d576d61bbaadf861597ea
Fixed in 8cc86a5ec2327e070f1d576d61bbaadf861597ea. How to fix ↓
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Background
Confire is a Python package available on PyPI that provides a configuration framework for Python applications. It allows users to define and load configuration settings from YAML files. The vulnerability in Confire version 0.2.0 arises from the way user-specific configuration is loaded from the '~/.confire.yaml' file using the yaml.load function. This vulnerability enables an attacker to execute arbitrary Python commands by inserting malicious Python code into the loaded YAML file.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in Confire allows an attacker to execute arbitrary Python commands by manipulating the YAML file loaded by the application. By injecting malicious Python code into the YAML file, an attacker can trigger the execution of arbitrary commands on the target system. This can lead to various consequences, including unauthorized access, data manipulation, or even complete compromise of the affected system.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 0.2.0 as of 23 Oct 2026
pip install --upgrade "confire==0.2.0"Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
8cc86a5ec2327e070f1d576d61bbaadf861597ea
This is the first release that contains the fix.
pip install --upgrade "confire==8cc86a5ec2327e070f1d576d61bbaadf861597ea"Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, users can mitigate the risk by carefully reviewing and validating the contents of their '~/.confire.yaml' file, ensuring that it does not contain any malicious Python code.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the vulnerability in Confire version 0.2.0 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary Python commands by manipulating the loaded YAML file. To mitigate this vulnerability, users should upgrade to a fixed version of Confire and review their configuration files for any malicious code. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for confire →
FAQ
Confire is a Python package that provides a configuration framework for Python applications. It allows users to define and load configuration settings from YAML files.
The vulnerability occurs due to the way user-specific configuration is loaded from the '~/.confire.yaml' file using the yaml.load function. This allows an attacker to execute arbitrary Python commands by inserting malicious code into the loaded YAML file.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or complete compromise of the affected system. An attacker can execute arbitrary Python commands, which can have various malicious intents.
Yes, the vulnerability has been fixed in a later version of Confire. Users are advised to update their installation to a version that includes the fix.
To protect your system, it is recommended to upgrade to a fixed version of Confire and review your '~/.confire.yaml' file for any malicious code. Regularly updating your software and following security best practices can also help mitigate the risk of such vulnerabilities.
