# PickleScan arbitrary code execution via profile.run blocklist bypass

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/picklescan-arbitrary-code-execution-via-profile-run-blocklist-bypass-71dcb799  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-06-17. Updated: 2026-06-18  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Published 2026-06-17

PickleScan is a security tool used to scan Python pickle files for malicious code. A flaw in its safety filters allows specially crafted files to bypass detection and execute arbitrary commands on the system running the scan. This could lead to a total system compromise or data theft while the tool incorrectly reports that the file is safe.

Technologies: [picklescan (PyPI)](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/picklescan). Vendors: [PyPI](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/pypi).

## Quick answers

**Is This vulnerability exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of This vulnerability being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is This vulnerability?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 17 June 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** picklescan (PyPI) < 1.0.4.

**Is there a fix for This vulnerability?** A patch was published on 2026-06-18: Version 1.0.4 released Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is This vulnerability attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected?** Check whether you run picklescan (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.

## Technical details

PickleScan before version 1.0.4 contains an incomplete blocklist (CWE-184) for the Python 'profile' module. While the scanner attempts to block 'Profile.run' and 'Profile.runctx', it uses exact string matching that fails to catch the module-level 'profile.run()' function. An attacker can craft a malicious pickle file that calls 'profile.run(statement)', which internally invokes 'exec()'. This allows for arbitrary code execution (RCE) with no user interaction or authentication required, while the scanner reports zero security issues. The vulnerability is addressed in version 1.0.4 by expanding the blocklist.

## Affected products

- mmaitre314 picklescan < 1.0.4

## Timeline

- 2026-03-02: advisory: Original GHSA-7wx9-6375-f5wh published
- 2026-06-17: disclosed: NVD/CVE-2026-53873 published
- 2026-06-18: patched: Version 1.0.4 released

## References

- [https://github.com/mmaitre314/picklescan/security/advisories/GHSA-7wx9-6375-f5wh](https://github.com/mmaitre314/picklescan/security/advisories/GHSA-7wx9-6375-f5wh)
- [https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/picklescan-arbitrary-code-execution-via-profile-run-blocklist-bypass](https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/picklescan-arbitrary-code-execution-via-profile-run-blocklist-bypass)

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