# CVE-2026-65908: JetBrains PyCharm arbitrary code execution via malicious Python executable

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-65908-jetbrains-pycharm-arbitrary-code-execution-via-malicious-python  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-07-23. Updated: 2026-07-23  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-65908 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.6 · Published 2026-07-23

JetBrains PyCharm, a popular development environment for Python programmers, was vulnerable to a security flaw when opening untrusted projects. If a developer opened a project containing a malicious Python executable, the software could automatically run that code. This could allow an attacker to take full control of the developer's computer, potentially leading to the theft of source code, credentials, or other sensitive company data.

Technologies: [Jetbrains PyCharm](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/pycharm). Vendors: [Jetbrains](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/jetbrains).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-65908 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-65908 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-65908?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.6, published 23 July 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Jetbrains PyCharm before 2026.1.4, 2026.2.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-65908?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-65908 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-65908?** Check whether you run Jetbrains PyCharm 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.

## Technical details

A vulnerability classified as CWE-829 (Inclusion of Functionality from Untrusted Control Sphere) exists in JetBrains PyCharm. The issue occurs when the IDE processes an untrusted project that includes a specially crafted, malicious Python executable. Upon opening such a project, the IDE may execute the malicious binary without sufficient validation or sandboxing. This local attack requires user interaction (opening the project) but results in a scope jump (S:C), allowing for full compromise of the host system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The issue is fixed in versions 2026.1.4 and 2026.2.

## Affected products

- JetBrains PyCharm before 2026.1.4, 2026.2

## Timeline

- 2026-07-23: disclosed
- 2026-07-23: advisory

## References

- [https://www.jetbrains.com/privacy-security/issues-fixed/](https://www.jetbrains.com/privacy-security/issues-fixed/)

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