Description
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 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.
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 26.10 | pymol | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 26.04 LTS | pymol | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 25.10 | pymol | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | pymol | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | pymol | No fix yet | — |
Show 3 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 20.04 LTS | pymol | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 18.04 LTS | pymol | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | pymol | No fix yet | — |