Pickle Deserialization RCE in Picklescan

Executive Summary

The vulnerability exists in picklescan versions before 0.0.28, where it fails to detect malicious pickle files that use the torch.utils.collect_env.run function in their reduce methods.

Attackers can embed undetected code within these pickle files, which then executes remote commands when the files are loaded by victims.

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Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves malicious pickle files that bypass picklescan detection when using versions before 0.0.28. Detection involves identifying usage of vulnerable picklescan versions and inspecting pickle files for suspicious reduce methods invoking torch.utils.collect_env.run.

To detect vulnerable picklescan versions on your system, you can check the installed version with the command:

• pip show picklescan

To scan pickle files for malicious payloads, use picklescan (if updated to 0.0.28 or later) with:

• picklescan <pickle_file>

If you cannot update picklescan, manually inspect pickle files for suspicious reduce methods that call torch.utils.collect_env.run by using Python commands or scripts to analyze pickle contents, though no specific commands are provided in the resources.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can allow attackers to execute remote commands on a victim's system by tricking them into loading a malicious pickle file.

Such remote command execution can lead to unauthorized actions, potential system compromise, data breaches, or other malicious activities depending on the attacker's intent.

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Compliance Impact

The vulnerability allows remote code execution through malicious pickle files, which can lead to unauthorized execution of code within affected systems.

Such unauthorized code execution can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of data processed or stored by the affected software, potentially leading to data breaches.

Data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information can result in non-compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, which mandate strict controls over data protection and privacy.

Therefore, organizations using vulnerable versions of picklescan may face increased risk of regulatory violations if this vulnerability is exploited.

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Mitigation Strategies

The primary mitigation step is to update picklescan to version 0.0.28 or later, where the vulnerability is patched.

Additionally, avoid loading pickle files from untrusted or unauthenticated sources to prevent execution of malicious code embedded in pickle files.

Implement strict validation and scanning of pickle files before loading them in your environment.

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