CVE-2024-9880 - Apache Pandas Command Injection Vulnerability

TL;DR

CVE-2024-9880: A high-severity command injection vulnerability in Apache Pandas’ DataFrame.query function.
Affected Versions: All versions up to and including v2.2.2.
Impact: Allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on a server by crafting malicious queries.
Severity: Rated 8.4 (HIGH) on the CVSS scale.
Key Insight: The vulnerability stems from improper input validation in the query function when using the ‘python’ engine.

Apache Pandas Command Injection Vulnerability (CVE-2024-9880): A Critical Security Flaw

A recently disclosed vulnerability, CVE-2024-9880, has put the spotlight on the popular Python library Apache Pandas. The flaw, discovered in the pandas.DataFrame.query function, allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on a server by exploiting improper input validation. With a CVSS score of 8.4 (HIGH), this vulnerability poses a significant risk to systems running affected versions of the library.

What is CVE-2024-9880?

The vulnerability resides in the pandas.DataFrame.query function, a widely used feature for filtering and querying data in Pandas. When the ‘python’ engine is utilized, the function fails to properly validate user-supplied input, enabling command injection. This means an attacker can craft a malicious query to execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to remote code execution (RCE).

Affected versions include all releases of Pandas up to and including v2.2.2. The issue was publicly disclosed on March 20, 2025, and has since garnered attention from security researchers and organizations worldwide.

Why This Matters

Apache Pandas is a cornerstone of data analysis in Python, used extensively in industries ranging from finance to healthcare. The ability to execute arbitrary commands on a server through a seemingly innocuous data query function underscores the importance of robust input validation in software development. This vulnerability could be particularly devastating in environments where Pandas is used to process untrusted data, such as web applications or data pipelines.

C-Suite Summary

For senior executives, the key takeaway is that CVE-2024-9880 represents a critical security risk that could compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations. Immediate action is recommended:

Assess Exposure: Determine if your organization uses Apache Pandas and identify affected systems.
Patch or Mitigate: Upgrade to a patched version of Pandas (if available) or implement workarounds to mitigate the risk.
Monitor for Exploits: Stay informed about active exploitation attempts and adjust your security posture accordingly.

This vulnerability highlights the importance of proactive vulnerability management and the need for robust input validation in software development practices.

Red-Team Relevance

For red teams, CVE-2024-9880 presents a compelling opportunity to test the resilience of target systems. By exploiting this vulnerability, red teams can simulate real-world attack scenarios where an attacker gains control over a server through a seemingly benign data query. Here’s how red teams can leverage this vulnerability in engagements:

Reconnaissance: Identify systems running vulnerable versions of Pandas (v2.2.2 or earlier).
Exploitation: Craft malicious queries to inject commands into the DataFrame.query function.
Post-Exploitation: Use the command execution capability to escalate privileges, exfiltrate data, or establish persistence.

This vulnerability is particularly relevant for red teams targeting organizations that rely heavily on data analysis workflows, as it provides a stealthy entry point into otherwise secure systems.

Conclusion

The discovery of CVE-2024-9880 serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with improper input validation in widely used libraries. As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven workflows, ensuring the security of tools like Apache Pandas becomes paramount. For security researchers and red teams, this vulnerability offers a valuable case study in the importance of thorough testing and the potential impact of seemingly minor flaws.

References

[1] Arbitrary Command Execution in pandas | CVE-2024-9880. Snyk. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
[2] Pandas DataFrame.query Code Injection (Unpatched). Tenable. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
[3] CVE-2024-9880. Debian Security Tracker. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
[4] CVE-2024-9880 – Exploits & Severity. Feedly. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
[5] pandas-dev/pandas – huntr. huntr. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
[6] Python – CVE – Search Results. MITRE. Retrieved March 22, 2025.

Metadata

Keywords: CVE-2024-9880, Apache Pandas, command injection, DataFrame.query, remote code execution, CVSS 8.4, red team, vulnerability management
Tags: cybersecurity, Python, data analysis, vulnerability, exploit, red teaming