Critical

A vulnerability was discovered in the PyYAML library in versions before 5.3.1, where it is susceptible to arbitrary code execution when it processes untrusted YAML files through the full_load method o

  • Disclosed: 24.03.2020
  • Updated: 11.10.2026 12:19

A vulnerability was discovered in the PyYAML library in versions before 5.3.1, where it is susceptible to arbitrary code execution when it processes untrusted YAML files through the full_load method or with the FullLoader loader. Applications that use the library to process untrusted input may be vulnerable to this flaw. An attacker could use this flaw to execute arbitrary code on the system by abusing the python/object/new constructor.

Affected software

Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.

PlatformPackageVulnerable versionsFixed in
Python (PyPI) pyyaml >= 5.1, < 5.3.1 5.3.1

References

CVSS score 9.8/10
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Weakness (CWE)
CWE-20
Platform
Python (PyPI)
Package
pyyaml
Disclosed
24.03.2020
Updated
11.10.2026 12:19

Sources and licenses

OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-6757-jp84-gxfx - CC BY 4.0

OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2020-96 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0

Vulnerability history: pyyaml

All published vulnerabilities of this package (Python (PyPI)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.

Total entries
4
First → latest
06.2018 02.2021
Without a fix
0
Exploited in attacks
0

Severity breakdown

  • Critical 4

Disclosures per year

  1. 2018: 1
  2. 2019: 0
  3. 2020: 2
  4. 2021: 1
  5. 2022: 0
  6. 2023: 0
  7. 2024: 0
  8. 2025: 0
  9. 2026: 0
  1. Critical · 9.8 CVE-2020-14343 < 5.4 5.4
  2. A vulnerability was discovered in the PyYAML library in versions before 5.3.1, where it is susceptible to arbitrary code execution when it processes untrusted YAML files through the full_load method o this entry
    Critical · 9.8 CVE-2020-1747 >= 5.1, < 5.3.1 5.3.1
  3. Critical · 9.8 CVE-2019-20477 >= 5.1, < 5.2 5.2

Know which vulnerabilities affect your application

With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.

Connect your application
DockRay newsletter

Application security in your inbox

Important vulnerabilities, actionable guidance and practical advice for your applications. Choose your technologies and follow what matters to your project.

  • A daily digest of new vulnerabilities, critical ones included.
  • Notifications about important updates.
  • Practical advice on application security and monitoring.

Leave empty to receive updates for every technology.

Free to subscribe. Unsubscribe with one click in any email.