huggingface/transformers: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
CVE-2026-1839 is a high-severity deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability in huggingface/transformers from Huggingface, 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 unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version v5.0.0rc3 as the first without the flaw, so updating huggingface/transformers to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.39% 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
- Update huggingface/transformers to v5.0.0rc3 or a later version.
- Update Transformers to 5.0.0 or a later version.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huggingface | huggingface/transformers | before v5.0.0rc3 | v5.0.0rc3 |
| Huggingface | Transformers | before 5.0.0; 5.0.0 | 5.0.0 |
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
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- 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:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.0 | 6.5 | Medium | CNA (huntr.dev) |
Official description
A vulnerability in the HuggingFace Transformers library, specifically in the `Trainer` class, allows for arbitrary code execution. The `_load_rng_state()` method in `src/transformers/trainer.py` at line 3059 calls `torch.load()` without the `weights_only=True` parameter. This issue affects all versions of the library supporting `torch>=2.2` when used with PyTorch versions below 2.6, as the `safe_globals()` context manager provides no protection in these versions. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by supplying a malicious checkpoint file, such as `rng_state.pth`, which can execute arbitrary code when loaded. The issue is resolved in version v5.0.0rc3.
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: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- huntr.com/bounties/3c77bb97-e493-493d-9a88-c57f5c536485Exploit, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in huggingface/transformers
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
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