https://DevOpsCloud.io -- Cloud Monk Losang Jinpa, Ph.D., MCSE/MCT, GitOps DevOps Engineer

Return to Serialization Frameworks, Python

Don't Return to Misconfigured Serialization Frameworks, Misconfigured Serialization Settings, Misconfigured Serialization Settings, Misconfigured Logging of Deserialization Errors

TLDR: Misconfigured pickle, introduced in 1993 as part of the Python standard library, can lead to severe vulnerabilities, such as remote code execution (RCE), data tampering, and denial of service attacks. These risks often result from insecure deserialization, improper input handling, and lack of validation, violating several OWASP Top Ten principles, including Input Validation, Access Controls, and secure Error Handling.

https://docs.python.org/3/library/pickle.html

Improper input validation when processing pickle data allows attackers to inject malicious payloads. If unsanitized inputs are passed directly to `pickle.load()`, the application becomes vulnerable to RCE or data manipulation. Adopting strict Input Validation practices mitigates such risks and aligns with OWASP Top Ten standards.

https://owasp.org/www-community/Input_Validation

The primary risk of misconfigured pickle is insecure deserialization. Attackers can craft malicious serialized objects that execute arbitrary code during deserialization. Using safer alternatives like `json` or employing allowlists for deserialization minimizes this risk, adhering to OWASP Top Ten guidelines on secure deserialization.

https://owasp.org/www-community/vulnerabilities/Insecure_Deserialization

Failing to secure access to serialized files or endpoints that accept pickle data can lead to unauthorized modifications. Implementing robust Access Controls ensures only authorized users can interact with these resources, meeting OWASP Top Ten best practices.

https://owasp.org/www-community/Access_Control

Sensitive data embedded in pickle objects, such as authentication tokens or user credentials, may be exposed if the serialized data is not encrypted. Encrypting sensitive fields or using secure transport protocols, such as TLS, aligns with OWASP Top Ten's Data Encryption recommendations.

https://owasp.org/www-community/Data_Encryption

Inadequate Error Handling in pickle operations can inadvertently reveal internal application details, such as stack traces or debugging information, to attackers. Properly handling exceptions and masking error messages ensures compliance with OWASP Top Ten's secure Error Handling principles.

https://owasp.org/www-community/Error_Handling

Over-reliance on pickle's default settings can leave applications vulnerable to exploitation. Framework Defaults may prioritize performance over security. Customizing deserialization settings and employing validation ensures alignment with OWASP Top Ten security practices.

https://owasp.org/www-community/Framework_Security_Project

Logging raw serialized pickle data without sanitization or encryption increases the risk of data leakage. Secure Logging practices, including encrypting logs and masking sensitive fields, help maintain compliance with OWASP Top Ten security standards.

https://owasp.org/www-community/Logging_and_Monitoring_Cheat_Sheet

Neglecting regular updates for pickle-dependent libraries or modules can expose applications to vulnerabilities in outdated components. Conducting dependency checking and applying alerts for vulnerable components ensures security, following OWASP Top Ten guidelines.

https://owasp.org/www-project-dependency-check/

Failing to implement resource constraints when deserializing large or deeply nested pickle objects can result in denial of service attacks. Limiting the size and depth of serialized data helps mitigate such risks, aligning with OWASP Top Ten's focus on secure resource management.

https://owasp.org/www-community/Denial_of_Service

Lastly, using pickle for untrusted data sources without sandboxing the deserialization environment increases the risk of RCE. Ensuring that deserialization is isolated from critical systems reduces this risk, adhering to the OWASP Top Ten's emphasis on secure deserialization practices.

https://owasp.org/www-community/attacks/Code_Injection