CVE-2024-50636
Published: 11 November 2024
Summary
CVE-2024-50636 is a critical-severity Code Injection (CWE-94) vulnerability. Its CVSS base score is 9.8 (Critical).
Operationally, ranked in the top 8.4% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
Deeper analysis
PyMOL 2.5.0 contains an improper input validation flaw in its Run Script feature that processes .PYM files as unrestricted Python scripts. The component directly executes embedded code without sandboxing or command filtering, enabling arbitrary Python execution in the context of the invoking user.
An unauthenticated remote attacker can deliver a crafted .PYM file containing a reverse-shell payload over the network. Successful exploitation grants full remote command execution with the privileges of the PyMOL process, satisfying the conditions for a CVSS 9.8 rating under CWE-94.
Public references consist of a GitHub issue report, a technical description, and a demonstration video; none of these sources document an official patch, workaround, or vendor mitigation guidance. The associated EPSS score has remained flat at 0.0696 with no observable increase after disclosure.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2024-44948
Vulnerability details
PyMOL 2.5.0 contains a vulnerability in its "Run Script" function, which allows the execution of arbitrary Python code embedded within .PYM files. Attackers can craft a malicious .PYM file containing a Python reverse shell payload and exploit the function to…
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achieve Remote Command Execution (RCE). This vulnerability arises because PyMOL treats .PYM files as Python scripts without properly validating or restricting the commands within the script, enabling attackers to run unauthorized commands in the context of the user running the application.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Makes persistent code injection into loaded programs impossible when the executable image itself resides on hardware-protected read-only media.
Dynamically generated code can be produced and executed inside the isolated chamber, preventing host compromise from code-injection payloads.
Validates inputs used in dynamic code generation to block injected directives.
Directly prevents execution of attacker-supplied code written into data memory regions.