CVE-2017-16618: Command Execution in OwlMixin
Summary
CVE-2017-16618: An exploitable vulnerability exists in the YAML loading functionality of util.py in OwlMixin before 2.0.0a12. Affects owlmixin across 2 version ranges.
< 2.0.0
< 5d0575303f6df869a515ced4285f24ba721e0d4e
Fixed in 5d0575303f6df869a515ced4285f24ba721e0d4e. How to fix ↓
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Background
OwlMixin is a Python package available on PyPI that provides YAML loading functionality. It is used to load YAML strings or files and perform operations on the data. This vulnerability affects versions before 2.0.0a12 of OwlMixin. The package is commonly used in Python applications that require YAML parsing and manipulation.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in OwlMixin arises from the improper usage of the YAML loading function in util.py. Instead of using the safe_load function, the load function is used, which allows for the execution of arbitrary Python commands. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by inserting malicious Python code into loaded YAML data, leading to the execution of arbitrary commands on the system where the vulnerable OwlMixin package is being used. This can result in unauthorized access, data manipulation, or other malicious activities.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 7.0.1 as of 22 Oct 2026
pip install --upgrade "owlmixin==7.0.1"Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
5d0575303f6df869a515ced4285f24ba721e0d4e
This is the first release that contains the fix.
pip install --upgrade "owlmixin==5d0575303f6df869a515ced4285f24ba721e0d4e"Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a workaround, if updating the package is not immediately feasible, it is recommended to sanitize and validate the loaded YAML data before performing any operations on it. This can help mitigate the risk of executing arbitrary commands. Here is an example of how to sanitize the loaded YAML data in Python:
import yaml
loaded_data = yaml.load(yaml_string)
# Sanitize and validate the loaded data
if isinstance(loaded_data, dict):
# Perform necessary operations
...
Conclusion
In conclusion, the OwlMixin package before version 2.0.0a12 is vulnerable to command execution due to the improper usage of the YAML loading function. It is crucial to update to the fixed version or sanitize and validate the loaded YAML data to mitigate the risk. If you need further assistance or support in addressing this vulnerability, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for owlmixin →
FAQ
This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary Python commands on systems where the vulnerable OwlMixin package is being used. This can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or other malicious activities.
You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Simply provide your Pipfile.lock file, and Vulert will analyze it for any open-source vulnerabilities, including this OwlMixin vulnerability.
Yes, the vulnerability has been fixed in OwlMixin version 2.0.0 and later. It is recommended to update to the latest version to mitigate the risk.
If updating the package is not immediately feasible, you can sanitize and validate the loaded YAML data before performing any operations on it. This can help mitigate the risk of executing arbitrary commands. Refer to the 'workaround' section for an example.
You can find more information about this vulnerability, including the source and affected versions, in the advisory database maintained by PyPA. The source can be accessed at https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/blob/main/vulns/owlmixin/PYSEC-2017-22.yaml.
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