Question: Is it safe to save python code in an exported .json file?

[JinXJinX]

I saw the eval_function() in the validate.py . It used the buildtin exec() function with an empty global namespace. If I get a flows.json file from someone. How can I ensure that file doesn't contain malicious Python code or not?

[dosubot[bot]]

🤖

Hey there @JinXJinX! 👋😄

I'm Dosu, a friendly bot here to help you out while you're waiting for a human maintainer. I can assist you with bugs, answer your questions, and guide you on your contributor journey. Don't worry, I'm here to make things easier for you! 🚀🤖

In the context of the langflow repository, the eval_function() in validate.py is used to evaluate a string of Python code that defines a function and return the function object. It does this in a separate namespace to isolate the execution of the code string from the global namespace and prevent any potential side effects. However, this function does not inherently ensure the safety of the executed code.

To ensure that an exported flows.json file doesn't contain malicious Python code, you can use the validate_code() function. This function parses the code string into an abstract syntax tree (AST), evaluates the import statements, and evaluates the function definition. If any errors occur during these steps, they are added to an errors dictionary and returned. Here's how you can use it:

# Assume `code` is the string of code you want to validate
errors = validate_code(code)

# If there are any errors, the code is potentially malicious or incorrect
if errors["imports"]["errors"] or errors["function"]["errors"]:
    print("The code is potentially malicious or incorrect.")
else:
    print("The code is safe.")

This will help you identify potentially malicious or incorrect code before it's executed with eval_function(). However, please note that this is not a foolproof method and there might be some edge cases where malicious code could still get through. Always ensure to use code from trusted sources.

There was a similar issue titled [security] load_flow_from_json can lead to RCE due to crafted json file in the langflow repository which was resolved. You might find the discussion there helpful.

For more details, you can refer to the source code of the validate.py file in the langflow repository here.

I hope this helps! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

Sources

• [security] load_flow_from_json can lead to RCE due to crafted json file
• src/backend/langflow/utils/validate.py

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[JinXJinX]

in #775 , @ogabrielluiz mentioned that "We are working on ways to try to mitigate this". Any updates? Thanks

[dosubot[bot]]

Hi, @JinXJinX,

I'm helping the langflow team manage their backlog and am marking this issue as stale. From what I understand, you raised concerns about the safety of saving Python code in a .json file, specifically referencing the use of the eval_function() in the validate.py file. Dosu-bot provided a detailed response, explaining the use of eval_function() and suggested the use of the validate_code() function to mitigate potential safety concerns. You followed up with a question about updates on mitigating the issue, referencing a previous related issue.

Could you please confirm if this issue is still relevant to the latest version of the langflow repository? If it is, please let the langflow team know by commenting on the issue. Otherwise, feel free to close the issue yourself, or it will be automatically closed in 7 days.

Thank you!

[anovazzi1]

Hello, Sorry for the delay. You can now inspect all the code inside each component, allowing you to read and verify everything that will run inside your machine.

[carlosrcoelho]

Hi @JinXJinX ,


We hope you're doing well. Just a friendly reminder that if we do not hear back from you within the next 3 days, we will close this issue. If you need more time or further assistance, please let us know.


Thank you for your understanding!

[carlosrcoelho]

Thank you for your contribution! This issue will be closed. If you have any questions or encounter another problem, please open a new issue and we will be ready to assist you.