CVE-2024-11393: Hugging Face Transformers deserialization of untrusted data in model parsing

CVE-2024-11393 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2024-11-23

Hugging Face Transformers is a widely-used Python library for natural language processing and machine learning model deployment. A vulnerability in its model file parsing allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code when a user loads a malicious model file or visits a malicious page. This could compromise systems running ML workflows, exposing sensitive training data, model weights, and enabling lateral movement within corporate ML infrastructure.

Technologies: Hugging Face Transformers, transformers (PyPI). Vendors: Hugging Face, PyPI.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2024-11393 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2024-11393 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2024-11393?
High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 23 November 2024.
Which products and versions are affected?
Hugging Face Transformers < 4.48.0; transformers (PyPI) ECOSYSTEM:introduced=0,fixed=4.48.0.
Is there a fix for CVE-2024-11393?
Yes. transformers (PyPI): upgrade to 4.48.0 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.
How is CVE-2024-11393 attacked?
It is attacked over the network, in a software library.
Am I affected by CVE-2024-11393?
Check whether you run Hugging Face Transformers or transformers (PyPI) at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

How to fix

  • transformers (PyPI): upgrade to 4.48.0 or later
    pip install "transformers>=4.48.0"

Technical details

The vulnerability exists in the MaskFormer model component within Hugging Face Transformers, specifically in the parsing of model files. The root cause is insufficient validation during deserialization of untrusted data, allowing attackers to craft malicious model files that execute arbitrary Python code when loaded. The attack vector is network-based, requiring user interaction (opening a malicious file or visiting a malicious page), with no privileges required. An attacker can achieve code execution under the privileges of the current user, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability affects Transformers versions below 4.48.0 and is fixed in version 4.48.0 and later. The fix involves excluding potentially dangerous conversion scripts from release wheels and implementing proper model validation.

Affected products

  • Hugging Face Transformers < 4.48.0

Identifiers

  • CVE-2024-11393
  • GHSA-wrfc-pvp9-mr9g
  • PYSEC-2024-228

Timeline

  • 2024-09-11: disclosed: Vulnerability reported to vendor via bug bounty platform
  • 2024-10-14: other: Vendor rejected the vulnerability
  • 2024-11-06: other: ZDI notified vendor of intention to publish as 0-day advisory
  • 2024-11-19: advisory: Coordinated public release of advisory by ZDI
  • 2024-11-23: patched: GitHub Advisory Database published; patched in version 4.48.0

References

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