label-studio-ml-backend: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
CVE-2025-5173 is a high-severity deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability in label-studio-ml-backend from HumanSignal, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected label-studio-ml-backend versions: 9fb7f4aa186612806af2becfb621f6ed8d9fdbaf. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.24% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of label-studio-ml-backend you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| HumanSignal | label-studio-ml-backend | 9fb7f4aa186612806af2becfb621f6ed8d9fdbaf | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 4.8 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.3 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 4.3 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
Official description
A vulnerability has been found in HumanSignal label-studio-ml-backend up to 9fb7f4aa186612806af2becfb621f6ed8d9fdbaf and classified as problematic. Affected by this vulnerability is the function load of the file label-studio-ml-backend/label_studio_ml/examples/yolo/utils/neural_nets.py of the component PT File Handler. The manipulation of the argument path leads to deserialization. An attack has to be approached locally. This product takes the approach of rolling releases to provide continious delivery. Therefore, version details for affected and updated releases are not available.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
The product deserializes untrusted data without sufficiently ensuring that the resulting data will be valid.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If available, use the signing/sealing features of the programming language to assure that deserialized data has not been tainted. For example, a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC) could be used to ensure that data has not been modified.
- When deserializing data, populate a new object rather than just deserializing. The result is that the data flows through safe input validation and that the functions are safe.
- Explicitly define a final object() to prevent deserialization.
More Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities (CWE-502)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- vuldb.com/?id.310261Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- vuldb.com/?submit.578126Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other references
- vuldb.com/?ctiid.310261Permissions Required, VDB Entry
Recent Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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