CVE-2017-16615: YAML Parsing Arbitrary Command Execution in MLAlchemy
Summary
CVE-2017-16615: An exploitable vulnerability exists in the YAML parsing functionality in the parse_yaml_query method in parser.py in MLAlchemy before 0.2.2. Affects mlalchemy across 2 version ranges.
< 0.2.2
< bc795757febdcce430d89f9d08f75c32d6989d3c
Fixed in bc795757febdcce430d89f9d08f75c32d6989d3c. How to fix ↓
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Background
MLAlchemy is a Python package available on PyPI that provides functionality for processing YAML-based queries for data. It is commonly used in machine learning applications. MLAlchemy allows users to load and parse YAML files to extract data for further processing. However, a vulnerability exists in the YAML parsing functionality of MLAlchemy versions before 0.2.2, which can lead to arbitrary command execution. This vulnerability arises due to the use of the 'load' function instead of the safer 'safe_load' function when processing YAML queries. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by inserting malicious Python code into loaded YAML, which will be executed during the parsing process.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in MLAlchemy allows an attacker to execute arbitrary Python commands by manipulating the loaded YAML data. By injecting malicious Python code into a YAML file, an attacker can trigger the execution of the code during the parsing process. This can lead to various security risks, including unauthorized access, data manipulation, and remote code execution. The vulnerability affects MLAlchemy versions prior to 0.2.2.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
bc795757febdcce430d89f9d08f75c32d6989d3c
This is the first release that contains the fix.
pip install --upgrade "mlalchemy==bc795757febdcce430d89f9d08f75c32d6989d3c"Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If upgrading to the latest version of MLAlchemy is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround can be implemented by manually validating and sanitizing the loaded YAML data. This involves inspecting the YAML file for any suspicious or potentially malicious code and removing or neutralizing it before parsing. However, this workaround is not recommended as it relies on manual inspection and may not provide complete protection against all possible attack vectors.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in MLAlchemy versions prior to 0.2.2 allows for arbitrary command execution through manipulated YAML data. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to upgrade to MLAlchemy version 0.2.2 or later. This ensures the usage of the safer 'safe_load' function for YAML parsing. For further assistance or support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
MLAlchemy is a Python package used for processing YAML-based queries for data, particularly in machine learning applications.
The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary Python commands by manipulating the loaded YAML data. This can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, and remote code execution.
MLAlchemy versions prior to 0.2.2 are affected by this vulnerability.
To fix this vulnerability, upgrade to MLAlchemy version 0.2.2 or later, where the vulnerable code has been fixed.
A temporary workaround involves manually validating and sanitizing the loaded YAML data. However, this workaround is not recommended as it may not provide complete protection.
