CVE-2024-56201 Overview
Jinja is an extensible templating engine. In versions on the 3.x branch prior to 3.1.5, a bug in the Jinja compiler allows an attacker that controls both the content and filename of a template to execute arbitrary Python code, regardless of if Jinja's sandbox is used. This vulnerability impacts users of applications which execute untrusted templates where the template author can also choose the template filename.
Critical Impact
Potential arbitrary code execution
Affected Products
- palletsprojects jinja
Discovery Timeline
- Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
- Not Available - Responsible disclosure to palletsprojects
- Not Available - CVE CVE-2024-56201 assigned
- Not Available - palletsprojects releases security patch
- 2024-12-23T16:15:07.410 - CVE CVE-2024-56201 published to NVD
- 2025-09-22T17:45:28.710 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-56201
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability arises when an attacker controls both the filename and content of a Jinja template, enabling them to execute arbitrary Python code, even in situations where Jinja's sandbox is intended to prevent such execution.
Root Cause
Inadequate restrictions on the template compiler in Jinja allowed execution of untrusted code when both filename and content of the template were controlled by an attacker.
Attack Vector
Local
# Example exploitation code (sanitized)
from jinja2 import Template
# Potentially untrusted input
template_filename = "user_generated_template"
template_content = "{{ loop.__init__.__globals__['os'].system('ls') }}"
# Dangerous compilation
template = Template(template_content)
rendered_template = template.render()
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-56201
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected process execution in applications using Jinja.
- Logs showing unusual template filenames being used.
- Presence of files with malicious code injections.
Detection Strategies
Implement monitoring for changes in the Jinja template files and execution of system commands within application logs. Use behavior-based detection to identify unknown processes triggered by template rendering.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for template rendering activities.
- Set up alerts for changes in template filenames or content in deployment environments using Jinja.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-56201
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Jinja to version 3.1.5 or later.
- Review and sanitize user-supplied data used as template content.
- Restrict access to the template directory to trusted users only.
Patch Information
The patch fixing this vulnerability is available in version 3.1.5. Users should upgrade to this or a later version to remediate the issue.
Workarounds
Implement input validation and ensure only trusted users can generate templates.
# Configuration example
pip install --upgrade jinja2==3.1.5
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
