GHSA-vvpj-8cmc-gx39 PickleScan's pkgutil.resolve_name has a universal blocklist bypass
Summary`pkgutil.resolve_name()` is a Python stdlib function that resolves any `"module:attribute"` string to the corresponding Python object at runtime. By using `pkgutil.resolve_name` as the first REDUCE call in a pickle, an attacker can obtain a reference to ANY blocked function (e.g., `os.system`, `builtins.exec`, `subprocess.call`) without that function appearing in the pickle's opcodes. picklescan only sees `pkgutil.resolve_name` (which is not blocked) and misses the actual dangerous function entirely.This defeats picklescan's **entire blocklist concept** — every single entry in `_unsafe_globals` can be bypassed.Severity**Critical** (CVSS 10.0) — Universal bypass of all blocklist entries. Any blocked function can be invoked.Affected Versionspicklescan <= 1.0.3 (all versions including latest)DetailsHow It WorksA pickle file uses two chained REDUCE calls:picklescan's opcode scanner sees:`STACK_GLOBAL` with module=`pkgutil`, name=`resolve_name` → **NOT in blocklist** → CLEANThe second `REDUCE` operates on a stack value (the return of the first call), not on a global import → **invisible to scanner**The string `"os:system"` is just data (a SHORT_BINUNICODE argument to the first REDUCE) — picklescan does not analyze REDUCE arguments, only GLOBAL/INST/STACK_GLOBAL references.Decompiled Pickle (what the data actually does)Confirmed Bypass TargetsEvery entry in picklescan's blocklist can be reached via resolve_name:| Chain | Resolves To | Confirmed RCE | picklescan Result |
|-------|------------|---------------|-------------------|
| `resolve_name("os:system")` | `os.system` | YES | CLEAN |
| `resolve_name("builtins:exec")` | `builtins.exec` | YES | CLEAN |
| `resolve_name("builtins:eval")` | `builtins.eval` | YES | CLEAN |
| `resolve_name("subprocess:getoutput")` | `subprocess.getoutput` | YES | CLEAN |
| `resolve_name("subprocess:getstatusoutput")` | `subprocess.getstatusoutput` | YES | CLEAN |
| `resolve_name("subprocess:call")` | `subprocess.call` | YES (shell=True needed) | CLEAN |
| `resolve_name("subprocess:check_call")` | `subprocess.check_call` | YES (shell=True needed) | CLEAN |
| `resolve_name("subprocess:check_output")` | `subprocess.check_output` | YES (shell=True needed) | CLEAN |
| `resolve_name("posix:system")` | `posix.system` | YES | CLEAN |
| `resolve_name("cProfile:run")` | `cProfile.run` | YES | CLEAN |
| `resolve_name("profile:run")` | `profile.run` | YES | CLEAN |
| `resolve_name("pty:spawn")` | `pty.spawn` | YES | CLEAN |**Total:** 11+ confirmed RCE chains, all reporting CLEAN.Proof of ConceptWhy `pkgutil` Is Not Blockedpicklescan's `_unsafe_globals` (v1.0.3) does not include `pkgutil`. The module is a standard import utility — its primary purpose is module/package resolution. However, `resolve_name()` can resolve ANY attribute from ANY module, making it a universal gadget.**Note:** fickling DOES block `pkgutil` in its `UNSAFE_IMPORTS` list.ImpactThis is a **complete bypass** of picklescan's security model. The entire blocklist — every module and function entry in `_unsafe_globals` — is rendered ineffective. An attacker needs only use `pkgutil.resolve_name` as an indirection layer to call any Python function.This affects:HuggingFace Hub (uses picklescan)Any ML pipeline using picklescan for safety validationAny system relying on picklescan's blocklist to prevent malicious pickle executionSuggested Fix**Immediate:** Add `pkgutil` to `_unsafe_globals`:**Also block similar resolution functions:****Architectural:** The blocklist approach cannot defend against indirect resolution gadgets. Even blocking `pkgutil`, an attacker could find other stdlib functions that resolve module attributes. Consider:Analyzing REDUCE arguments for suspicious strings (e.g., patterns matching `"module:function"`)Treating unknown globals as dangerous by defaultSwitching to an allowlist model
CVSS v3.1 score: 10