CWE-502
AllowedDeserialization of Untrusted Data
Abstraction: Base · Status: Draft
The product deserializes untrusted data without sufficiently ensuring that the resulting data will be valid.
4797 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-32HX-8WCV-5Q49
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-05-01 18:31 – Updated: 2026-05-01 21:31Unsafe deserialization vulnerability in MixPHP Framework 2.x thru 2.2.17. The session and cache handlers use unserialize() on data from the filesystem in the FileHandler object.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-42473"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-502"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-05-01T16:16:31Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Unsafe deserialization vulnerability in MixPHP Framework 2.x thru 2.2.17. The session and cache handlers use unserialize() on data from the filesystem in the FileHandler object.",
"id": "GHSA-32hx-8wcv-5q49",
"modified": "2026-05-01T21:31:19Z",
"published": "2026-05-01T18:31:24Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-42473"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://gist.github.com/sgInnora/fa46386840fe978a30d7e53c458f2975"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/mix-php/mix"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/mix-php/mix/blob/v2.2.17/src/sync-invoke/src/Server.php"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-32MG-Q3WG-529P
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-05-21 21:30 – Updated: 2024-07-03 18:43OpenBD 20210306203917-6cbe797 is vulnerable to Deserialization of Untrusted Data. The cookies bdglobals and bdclient_spot of the OpenBD software uses serialized data, which can be used to execute arbitrary code on the system. NOTE: This vulnerability only affects products that are no longer supported by the maintainer.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-34274"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-502"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-05-21T20:15:08Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "OpenBD 20210306203917-6cbe797 is vulnerable to Deserialization of Untrusted Data. The cookies bdglobals and bdclient_spot of the OpenBD software uses serialized data, which can be used to execute arbitrary code on the system. NOTE: This vulnerability only affects products that are no longer supported by the maintainer.",
"id": "GHSA-32mg-q3wg-529p",
"modified": "2024-07-03T18:43:03Z",
"published": "2024-05-21T21:30:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-34274"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/OpenBD/openbd-core/issues/89"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-32VR-5GCF-3PW2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-04-08 19:17 – Updated: 2026-04-09 14:29Summary
The AgentService.loadAgentFromFile method uses the js-yaml library to parse YAML files without disabling dangerous tags (such as !!js/function and !!js/undefined). This allows an attacker to craft a malicious YAML file that, when parsed, executes arbitrary JavaScript code. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by uploading a malicious agent definition file via the API endpoint, leading to remote code execution (RCE) on the server.
Details
The vulnerability exists in the YAML deserialization process. The js-yaml library's load function is used without specifying a safe schema (e.g., JSON_SCHEMA or DEFAULT_SAFE_SCHEMA). This enables the parsing of JavaScript functions and other dangerous types. When a malicious YAML file containing a !!js/function tag is parsed, the function is evaluated, leading to arbitrary code execution.
The vulnerable code is located in src/agents/agent.service.ts at line 55.
PoC
An attacker can create a malicious agent YAML file with the following content:
!!js/function >
function(){ require('child_process').execSync('touch /tmp/pwned') }
Then, upload this file as an agent definition via the API endpoint that uses AgentService.loadAgentFromFile. When the agent is loaded (either during startup or via an API call that triggers loading), the payload will execute the command touch /tmp/pwned, demonstrating arbitrary code execution.
Impact
This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker (if the API endpoint is unprotected) or an authenticated attacker with the ability to upload agent definitions to execute arbitrary code on the server. This can lead to complete compromise of the server, data theft, or further network penetration.
Recommended Fix
Replace the unsafe load method with a safe alternative. Specifically, use the load method with a safe schema, such as JSON_SCHEMA or DEFAULT_SAFE_SCHEMA. For example:
import yaml from 'js-yaml';
import { JSON_SCHEMA } from 'js-yaml';
// In the loadAgentFromFile method
const agent = yaml.load(fileContent, { schema: JSON_SCHEMA });
Alternatively, if the application requires only a subset of YAML features, consider using the safeLoad method from an older version (though note it was deprecated). The key is to avoid loading tags that can execute code.
Additionally, validate and sanitize all user input, especially file uploads. Ensure that agent definition files are only uploaded by trusted users and consider storing them in a secure location with proper access controls.
{
"affected": [
{
"database_specific": {
"last_known_affected_version_range": "\u003c= 4.5.114"
},
"package": {
"ecosystem": "PyPI",
"name": "praisonai"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "4.5.115"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-39890"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-502"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2026-04-08T19:17:11Z",
"nvd_published_at": "2026-04-08T21:17:01Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "## Summary\nThe `AgentService.loadAgentFromFile` method uses the `js-yaml` library to parse YAML files without disabling dangerous tags (such as `!!js/function` and `!!js/undefined`). This allows an attacker to craft a malicious YAML file that, when parsed, executes arbitrary JavaScript code. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by uploading a malicious agent definition file via the API endpoint, leading to remote code execution (RCE) on the server.\n\n## Details\nThe vulnerability exists in the YAML deserialization process. The `js-yaml` library\u0027s `load` function is used without specifying a safe schema (e.g., `JSON_SCHEMA` or `DEFAULT_SAFE_SCHEMA`). This enables the parsing of JavaScript functions and other dangerous types. When a malicious YAML file containing a `!!js/function` tag is parsed, the function is evaluated, leading to arbitrary code execution.\n\nThe vulnerable code is located in `src/agents/agent.service.ts` at line 55.\n\n## PoC\nAn attacker can create a malicious agent YAML file with the following content:\n```yaml\n!!js/function \u003e\n function(){ require(\u0027child_process\u0027).execSync(\u0027touch /tmp/pwned\u0027) }\n```\nThen, upload this file as an agent definition via the API endpoint that uses `AgentService.loadAgentFromFile`. When the agent is loaded (either during startup or via an API call that triggers loading), the payload will execute the command `touch /tmp/pwned`, demonstrating arbitrary code execution.\n\n## Impact\nThis vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker (if the API endpoint is unprotected) or an authenticated attacker with the ability to upload agent definitions to execute arbitrary code on the server. This can lead to complete compromise of the server, data theft, or further network penetration.\n\n## Recommended Fix\nReplace the unsafe `load` method with a safe alternative. Specifically, use the `load` method with a safe schema, such as `JSON_SCHEMA` or `DEFAULT_SAFE_SCHEMA`. For example:\n\n```typescript\nimport yaml from \u0027js-yaml\u0027;\nimport { JSON_SCHEMA } from \u0027js-yaml\u0027;\n\n// In the loadAgentFromFile method\nconst agent = yaml.load(fileContent, { schema: JSON_SCHEMA });\n```\n\nAlternatively, if the application requires only a subset of YAML features, consider using the `safeLoad` method from an older version (though note it was deprecated). The key is to avoid loading tags that can execute code.\n\nAdditionally, validate and sanitize all user input, especially file uploads. Ensure that agent definition files are only uploaded by trusted users and consider storing them in a secure location with proper access controls.",
"id": "GHSA-32vr-5gcf-3pw2",
"modified": "2026-04-09T14:29:45Z",
"published": "2026-04-08T19:17:11Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/MervinPraison/PraisonAI/security/advisories/GHSA-32vr-5gcf-3pw2"
},
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-39890"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/MervinPraison/PraisonAI"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/MervinPraison/PraisonAI/releases/tag/v4.5.115"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
],
"summary": "PraisonAI Vulnerable to Remote Code Execution via YAML Deserialization in Agent Definition Loading"
}
GHSA-32WR-8WXM-852C
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2021-06-22 15:24 – Updated: 2021-04-07 22:08includes/core/is_user.php in NukeViet before 4.3.04 deserializes the untrusted nvloginhash cookie (i.e., the code relies on PHP's serialization format when JSON can be used to eliminate the risk).
{
"affected": [
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "Packagist",
"name": "nukeviet/nukeviet"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "4.3.04"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-7725"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-502"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2021-04-07T22:08:23Z",
"nvd_published_at": "2020-12-31T05:15:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "includes/core/is_user.php in NukeViet before 4.3.04 deserializes the untrusted nvloginhash cookie (i.e., the code relies on PHP\u0027s serialization format when JSON can be used to eliminate the risk).",
"id": "GHSA-32wr-8wxm-852c",
"modified": "2021-04-07T22:08:23Z",
"published": "2021-06-22T15:24:59Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-7725"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/nukeviet/nukeviet/pull/2740/commits/05dfb9b4531f12944fe39556f58449b9a56241be"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/nukeviet/nukeviet/blob/4.3.04/CHANGELOG.txt"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/nukeviet/nukeviet/blob/nukeviet4.3/CHANGELOG.txt"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/nukeviet/nukeviet/compare/4.3.03...4.3.04"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
],
"summary": "Deserialization of Untrusted Data in NukeViet"
}
GHSA-332V-39CW-QWG2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 02:00 – Updated: 2022-05-14 02:00HandleRequestAsync in Docker for Windows before 18.06.0-ce-rc3-win68 (edge) and before 18.06.0-ce-win72 (stable) deserialized requests over the \.\pipe\dockerBackend named pipe without verifying the validity of the deserialized .NET objects. This would allow a malicious user in the "docker-users" group (who may not otherwise have administrator access) to escalate to administrator privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-15514"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-502"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-09-01T01:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "HandleRequestAsync in Docker for Windows before 18.06.0-ce-rc3-win68 (edge) and before 18.06.0-ce-win72 (stable) deserialized requests over the \\\\.\\pipe\\dockerBackend named pipe without verifying the validity of the deserialized .NET objects. This would allow a malicious user in the \"docker-users\" group (who may not otherwise have administrator access) to escalate to administrator privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-332v-39cw-qwg2",
"modified": "2022-05-14T02:00:53Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T02:00:53Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-15514"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://docs.docker.com/docker-for-windows/edge-release-notes"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://docs.docker.com/docker-for-windows/release-notes"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://srcincite.io/blog/2018/08/31/you-cant-contain-me-analyzing-and-exploiting-an-elevation-of-privilege-in-docker-for-windows.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/105202"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-3334-F37Q-2M8X
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 16:45 – Updated: 2024-04-04 00:38A vulnerability has been identified in LOGO! Soft Comfort (All versions). The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code if the attacker tricks a legitimate user to open a manipulated project. In order to exploit the vulnerability, a valid user must open a manipulated project file. No further privileges are required on the target system. The vulnerability could compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the engineering station. At the time of advisory publication no public exploitation of this security vulnerability was known.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-10924"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-502"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-05-14T20:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A vulnerability has been identified in LOGO! Soft Comfort (All versions). The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code if the attacker tricks a legitimate user to open a manipulated project. In order to exploit the vulnerability, a valid user must open a manipulated project file. No further privileges are required on the target system. The vulnerability could compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the engineering station. At the time of advisory publication no public exploitation of this security vulnerability was known.",
"id": "GHSA-3334-f37q-2m8x",
"modified": "2024-04-04T00:38:54Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T16:45:39Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-10924"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-102144.pdf"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/108368"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-334G-HQ35-7FWX
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-12-20 18:31 – Updated: 2024-12-20 18:31Delta Electronics DTM Soft deserializes objects, which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-12677"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-502"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-12-20T17:15:07Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Delta Electronics DTM Soft deserializes objects, which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.",
"id": "GHSA-334g-hq35-7fwx",
"modified": "2024-12-20T18:31:32Z",
"published": "2024-12-20T18:31:32Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-12677"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://downloadcenter.deltaww.com/en-US/DownloadCenter?v=1\u0026q=dtm\u0026sort_expr=cdate\u0026sort_dir=DESC"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-24-354-03"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-334V-5H97-QM29
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-03-05 06:30 – Updated: 2026-03-09 15:30Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerability in gerritvanaaken Podlove Web Player podlove-web-player allows Object Injection.This issue affects Podlove Web Player: from n/a through <= 5.9.1.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-24385"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-502"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-03-05T06:16:22Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerability in gerritvanaaken Podlove Web Player podlove-web-player allows Object Injection.This issue affects Podlove Web Player: from n/a through \u003c= 5.9.1.",
"id": "GHSA-334v-5h97-qm29",
"modified": "2026-03-09T15:30:32Z",
"published": "2026-03-05T06:30:25Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-24385"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Plugin/podlove-web-player/vulnerability/wordpress-podlove-web-player-plugin-5-9-1-php-object-injection-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-337X-469W-F426
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-04-02 00:30 – Updated: 2024-04-02 00:30Voltronic Power ViewPower Pro Deserialization of Untrusted Data Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Voltronic Power ViewPower Pro. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the RMI interface, which listens on TCP port 41009 by default. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in deserialization of untrusted data. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-21012.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-51570"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-502"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-04-01T22:15:08Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Voltronic Power ViewPower Pro Deserialization of Untrusted Data Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Voltronic Power ViewPower Pro. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.\n\nThe specific flaw exists within the RMI interface, which listens on TCP port 41009 by default. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in deserialization of untrusted data. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-21012.",
"id": "GHSA-337x-469w-f426",
"modified": "2024-04-02T00:30:45Z",
"published": "2024-04-02T00:30:45Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-51570"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-23-1876"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-339M-4QW5-J2G3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-21 16:38 – Updated: 2026-01-22 15:43A critical deserialization vulnerability exists in Tendenci Helpdesk module (NOTE, by default, Helpdesk is NOT enabled), affecting the version 15.3.11 and earlier. This vulnerability allows remote code execution (RCE) by an authenticated user with staff security level due to using Python's pickle module on the helpdesk /reports/. The damage is contained to the user that your Tendenci application runs.
Key Finding: The original CVE-2020-14942 was incompletely patched. While ticket_list() was fixed to use safe JSON deserialization, the run_report() function still uses unsafe pickle.loads().
Permission Scoping: The impact is limited to the permissions of the user running the application, typically www-data, which generally lacks write (except for upload directories) and execute permissions.
Vulnerability Details
Affected Version
- Version: Tendenci 15.3.11 and earlier (all versions since incomplete CVE-2020-14942 patch)
- Component:
tendenci/apps/helpdesk/views/staff.py
Related CVE
- CVE-2020-14942: Original pickle deserialization vulnerability (partially patched)
- GitHub Advisory: GHSA-jqmc-fxxp-r589
- Original Issue: https://github.com/tendenci/tendenci/issues/867
Tendenci User Role Hierarchy
| Level | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | is_superuser |
Highest privilege - full Django admin |
| 1 | is_staff |
user with Staff security level - can access helpdesk module |
| 2 | Authenticated User | Basic user access |
| 3 | Anonymous User | Public read-only access |
is_staff is a commonly assigned role (by a superuser) for helpdesk operators who manage support tickets - not system administrators.
Code Comparison (Patched vs Vulnerable)
| Function | Line | Deserialization | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
ticket_list() |
763 | simplejson.loads() |
✅ SAFE |
run_report() |
1062 | pickle.loads() |
❌ VULNERABLE |
Why This Qualifies for CVE Assignment
This vulnerability represents an incomplete patch bypass for CVE-2020-14942 with a clear exploitation path. The flaw allows a malicious user with Staff security level to achieve Remote Code Execution via Python's pickle.loads. Though the damage is contained to the user that your Tendenci application runs.
Remediation
Update Tendenci to the latest version (v15.3.12 as of now) immediately if you have Helpdesk enabled. Note that Helpdesk is not enabled by default. All of our hosted sites have been patched, although none of our client sites have the Helpdesk enabled.
References
- Tendenci GitHub: https://github.com/tendenci/tendenci
- CVE-2020-14942: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-14942
- GitHub Advisory: https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-jqmc-fxxp-r589
- Original Issue: https://github.com/tendenci/tendenci/issues/867
- CWE-502: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/502.html
- Python Pickle Security: https://docs.python.org/3/library/pickle.html#restricting-globals
{
"affected": [
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "PyPI",
"name": "tendenci"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "15.3.12"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-23946"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-502",
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2026-01-21T16:38:15Z",
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-22T01:15:52Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "A critical deserialization vulnerability exists in Tendenci Helpdesk module (NOTE, by default, Helpdesk is NOT enabled), affecting the version 15.3.11 and earlier. This vulnerability allows remote code execution (RCE) by an authenticated user with staff security level due to using Python\u0027s pickle module on the helpdesk /reports/. The damage is contained to the user that your Tendenci application runs.\n\n**Key Finding:** The original CVE-2020-14942 was incompletely patched. While `ticket_list()` was fixed to use safe JSON deserialization, the `run_report()` function still uses unsafe `pickle.loads()`.\n\n**Permission Scoping:** The impact is limited to the permissions of the user running the application, typically www-data, which generally lacks write (except for upload directories) and execute permissions.\n\n## Vulnerability Details\n\n### Affected Version\n- **Version:** Tendenci 15.3.11 and earlier (all versions since incomplete CVE-2020-14942 patch)\n- **Component:** `tendenci/apps/helpdesk/views/staff.py`\n\n### Related CVE\n- **CVE-2020-14942:** Original pickle deserialization vulnerability (partially patched)\n- **GitHub Advisory:** GHSA-jqmc-fxxp-r589\n- **Original Issue:** https://github.com/tendenci/tendenci/issues/867\n\n### Tendenci User Role Hierarchy\n\n| Level | Role | Description |\n|-------|------|-------------|\n| 0 | `is_superuser` | Highest privilege - full Django admin |\n| 1 | `is_staff` | user with Staff security level - can access helpdesk module |\n| 2 | Authenticated User | Basic user access |\n| 3 | Anonymous User | Public read-only access |\n\n`is_staff` is a commonly assigned role (by a superuser) for helpdesk operators who manage support tickets - not system administrators. \n\n\n### Code Comparison (Patched vs Vulnerable)\n\n| Function | Line | Deserialization | Status |\n|----------|------|-----------------|--------|\n| `ticket_list()` | 763 | `simplejson.loads()` | \u2705 SAFE |\n| `run_report()` | 1062 | `pickle.loads()` | \u274c VULNERABLE |\n\n## Why This Qualifies for CVE Assignment\n\nThis vulnerability represents an **incomplete patch bypass** for CVE-2020-14942 with a clear exploitation path. The flaw allows a malicious user with Staff security level to achieve Remote Code Execution via Python\u0027s pickle.loads. Though the damage is contained to the user that your Tendenci application runs. \n\n## Remediation\n\nUpdate Tendenci to the latest version (v15.3.12 as of now) immediately if you have Helpdesk enabled. Note that Helpdesk is not enabled by default. All of our hosted sites have been patched, although **none** of our client sites have the Helpdesk enabled.\n\n\n## References\n\n- Tendenci GitHub: https://github.com/tendenci/tendenci\n- CVE-2020-14942: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-14942\n- GitHub Advisory: https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-jqmc-fxxp-r589\n- Original Issue: https://github.com/tendenci/tendenci/issues/867\n- CWE-502: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/502.html\n- Python Pickle Security: https://docs.python.org/3/library/pickle.html#restricting-globals",
"id": "GHSA-339m-4qw5-j2g3",
"modified": "2026-01-22T15:43:00Z",
"published": "2026-01-21T16:38:15Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/tendenci/tendenci/security/advisories/GHSA-339m-4qw5-j2g3"
},
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-14942"
},
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-23946"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/tendenci/tendenci/issues/867"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/tendenci/tendenci/commit/23d9fd85ab7654e9c83cfc86cb4175c0bd7a77f1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/tendenci/tendenci/commit/2ff0a457614944a1b417081c543ea4c5bb95d636"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/tendenci/tendenci/commit/63e1b84a5b163466d1d8d811d35e7021a7ca0d0e"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://docs.python.org/3/library/pickle.html#restricting-globals"
},
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-jqmc-fxxp-r589"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/tendenci/tendenci"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/tendenci/tendenci/releases/tag/v15.3.12"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
],
"summary": "Tendenci Affected by Authenticated Remote Code Execution via Pickle Deserialization"
}
Mitigation
If available, use the signing/sealing features of the programming language to assure that deserialized data has not been tainted. For example, a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC) could be used to ensure that data has not been modified.
Mitigation
When deserializing data, populate a new object rather than just deserializing. The result is that the data flows through safe input validation and that the functions are safe.
Mitigation
Explicitly define a final object() to prevent deserialization.
Mitigation
- Make fields transient to protect them from deserialization.
- An attempt to serialize and then deserialize a class containing transient fields will result in NULLs where the transient data should be. This is an excellent way to prevent time, environment-based, or sensitive variables from being carried over and used improperly.
Mitigation
Avoid having unnecessary types or gadgets (a sequence of instances and method invocations that can self-execute during the deserialization process, often found in libraries) available that can be leveraged for malicious ends. This limits the potential for unintended or unauthorized types and gadgets to be leveraged by the attacker. Add only acceptable classes to an allowlist. Note: new gadgets are constantly being discovered, so this alone is not a sufficient mitigation.
Mitigation
Employ cryptography of the data or code for protection. However, it's important to note that it would still be client-side security. This is risky because if the client is compromised then the security implemented on the client (the cryptography) can be bypassed.
Mitigation MIT-29
Strategy: Firewall
Use an application firewall that can detect attacks against this weakness. It can be beneficial in cases in which the code cannot be fixed (because it is controlled by a third party), as an emergency prevention measure while more comprehensive software assurance measures are applied, or to provide defense in depth [REF-1481].
CAPEC-586: Object Injection
An adversary attempts to exploit an application by injecting additional, malicious content during its processing of serialized objects. Developers leverage serialization in order to convert data or state into a static, binary format for saving to disk or transferring over a network. These objects are then deserialized when needed to recover the data/state. By injecting a malformed object into a vulnerable application, an adversary can potentially compromise the application by manipulating the deserialization process. This can result in a number of unwanted outcomes, including remote code execution.