Description
The secure_load function in gluon/utils.py in web2py before 2.14.2 uses pickle.loads to deserialize session information stored in cookies, which might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by leveraging knowledge of encryption_key.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | web2py | 2.12.3-1ubuntu0.1 | USN-4030-1 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
GitHub 1 repository
-
sj/web2py-e94946d-CVE-2016-3957 ★ 0 · Dec 19, 2018
web2py/web2py @ e94946d
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- USN-4030-1 web2py vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Feb 10, 2026