Vulnerability in Python’s pandas Library Awaits a Patch (CVE-2024-42992)
Python’s popular data analysis and manipulation library, pandas, has recently been identified as vulnerable to a significant security issue, CVE-2024-42992, which currently doesn’t have a patch. This vulnerability exposes systems to potential unauthorized file access.
Pandas is a cornerstone tool for data analysis in Python, widely utilized for its powerful capabilities in handling structured data. Given its extensive adoption in data science, finance, academic research, and many other fields, the discovery of CVE-2024-42992 is particularly alarming.
Reserved in early August, the vulnerability raises concern due to the widespread use of pandas.
What is CVE-2024-42992?
CVE-2024-42992 (CVSS: –) is an arbitrary file read vulnerability in the pandas library. This flaw allows an attacker to access any file in the system without restriction, such as “/etc/passwd”, posing a serious security risk.
The issue stems from the insufficient validation of file paths provided as input, enabling malicious users to specify and read arbitrary files.
Which pandas versions are affected by CVE-2024-42992?
The vulnerability affects all versions of pandas up to and including 2.2.2. Users relying on these versions should be aware of the potential risks involved in continuing to use the library in environments where sensitive data is present.
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Title H3 – PoC
A Proof-of-Concept (PoC) exploit for CVE-2024-42992 has already surfaced on GitHub. It demonstrates the vulnerability by attempting to read the “/etc/passwd” file, a critical file on Unix-based systems containing user account information.
According to the exploit GitHub page, the exploit code is simple and can be executed in various environments, such as Replit, and print the content of the targeted sensitive file.
A demonstration of the exploit
Current Status and Recommendations
As of now, pandas versions up to and including 2.2.2 are vulnerable, and no official patch has been released.
The latest releases for the pandas library for Python
The public availability of the PoC code increases the risk of attacks, making it important for users to take immediate action. Here are some recommendations to mitigate the impact of CVE-2024-42992:
- Limit the library’s use in sensitive environments.
- Monitor systems for unauthorized access.
- Keep an eye on updates from the pandas maintainers regarding a potential fix for CVE-2024-42992.
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Article Link: https://socradar.io/vulnerability-in-pythons-pandas-library-cve-2024-42992/