Description
PyVista provides 3D plotting and mesh analysis through an interface for the Visualization Toolkit (VTK). Version 0.46.3 of the PyVista Project is vulnerable to remote code execution via dependency confusion. Two pieces of code use`--extra-index-url`. But when `--extra-index-url` is used, pip always checks for the PyPI index first, and then the external index. One package listed in the code is not published in PyPI. If an attacker publishes a package with higher version in PyPI, the malicious code from the attacker controlled package may be pulled, leading to remote code execution and a supply chain attack. As of time of publication, a patched version is unavailable.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-32591
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
Vulnerability Description:
The vulnerability in PyVista version 0.46.3 arises from a dependency confusion issue. The use of --extra-index-url in the code leads to a situation where pip checks the Python Package Index (PyPI) first before checking the external index. If an attacker publishes a package with a higher version number on PyPI, the malicious package could be pulled instead of the intended one, leading to remote code execution (RCE).
Severity Evaluation:
The vulnerability has a base score of 9.3 according to CVSS 4.0, indicating a critical severity level. The vector string CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N highlights the following:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N)
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L)
- Authentication (AT): None (N)
- Privileges Required (PR): None (N)
- User Interaction (UI): None (N)
- Confidentiality Impact (VC): High (H)
- Integrity Impact (VI): High (H)
- Availability Impact (VA): High (H)
- Scope Change (SC): None (N)
- Secondary Impact (SI): None (N)
- Secondary Availability (SA): None (N)
This high severity score underscores the potential for significant damage if exploited.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Dependency Confusion: An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by publishing a malicious package with a higher version number on PyPI. When the
--extra-index-urlis used, pip will prioritize the PyPI index, potentially pulling the attacker's package. - Supply Chain Attack: The malicious package can be designed to execute arbitrary code on the target system, leading to a supply chain attack.
Exploitation Methods:
- Package Publication: The attacker publishes a malicious package on PyPI with a higher version number than the legitimate package.
- Code Execution: The malicious package contains code that, when executed, can perform various malicious activities such as data exfiltration, system compromise, or further propagation of malware.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Systems:
- Systems running PyVista version 0.46.3.
- Environments where pip is used with
--extra-index-urlto install dependencies.
Software Versions:
- PyVista version 0.46.3.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Mitigation:
- Manual Verification: Manually verify the integrity of all packages before installation.
- Use of Trusted Repositories: Ensure that all dependencies are sourced from trusted and verified repositories.
- Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit the spread of potential malware.
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Update to Patched Version: Once available, update to the patched version of PyVista.
- Dependency Management: Implement robust dependency management practices, including regular audits and use of tools like Dependabot to monitor for vulnerabilities.
- Security Policies: Enforce strict security policies for package management and deployment.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
Regulatory Compliance:
- Organizations must comply with regulations such as GDPR and NIS Directive, which mandate robust cybersecurity measures.
- Failure to address this vulnerability could result in regulatory penalties and reputational damage.
Supply Chain Security:
- The vulnerability highlights the importance of supply chain security, a critical concern for European cybersecurity.
- Enhanced collaboration between vendors, developers, and security professionals is essential to mitigate such risks.
Economic Impact:
- Potential financial losses due to data breaches, system downtime, and recovery costs.
- Increased investment in cybersecurity measures to prevent future incidents.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Detection:
- Monitoring Tools: Use monitoring tools to detect unusual package installations or network activities.
- Log Analysis: Regularly analyze logs for any suspicious activities related to package installations.
Response:
- Incident Response Plan: Have a well-defined incident response plan to quickly address any detected vulnerabilities.
- Patch Management: Implement a robust patch management process to ensure timely updates and patches.
Prevention:
- Code Review: Conduct thorough code reviews to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
- Security Training: Provide regular security training for developers and IT staff to raise awareness about dependency confusion and other supply chain risks.
References:
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and implementing robust security measures, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of supply chain attacks and ensure the integrity of their systems.