CVE-2025-56005

Published Jan 20, 2026

Last updated a month ago

CVSS critical 9.8

Overview

Description: An undocumented and unsafe feature in the PLY (Python Lex-Yacc) library 3.11 allows Remote Code Execution (RCE) via the `picklefile` parameter in the `yacc()` function. This parameter accepts a `.pkl` file that is deserialized with `pickle.load()` without validation. Because `pickle` allows execution of embedded code via `__reduce__()`, an attacker can achieve code execution by passing a malicious pickle file. The parameter is not mentioned in official documentation or the GitHub repository, yet it is active in the PyPI version. This introduces a stealthy backdoor and persistence risk. NOTE: A third-party states that this vulnerability should be rejected because the proof of concept does not demonstrate arbitrary code execution and fails to complete successfully.
Source: cve@mitre.org
NVD status: Modified
CNA Tags: disputed
Products: ply

Risk scores

CVSS 3.1

Type: Secondary
Base score: 9.8
Impact score: 5.9
Exploitability score: 3.9
Vector string: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Severity: CRITICAL

Weaknesses

134c704f-9b21-4f2e-91b3-4a467353bcc0: CWE-502

Hype score: Not currently trending

Configurations

[
  {
    "nodes": [
      {
        "cpeMatch": [
          {
            "criteria": "cpe:2.3:a:dabeaz:ply:3.11:*:*:*:*:*:*:*",
            "matchCriteriaId": "278FED9B-7970-410E-B5F5-C87B229441CC",
            "vulnerable": true
          }
        ],
        "negate": false,
        "operator": "OR"
      }
    ]
  }
]

References

Sources include official advisories and independent security research.

Overview

Risk scores

CVSS 3.1

Weaknesses

Social media

Configurations

References