sentence-transformers local model loading bypasses trust_remote_code and executes custom Python
sentence-transformers contains a security control bypass vulnerability that allows attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution by exploiting a logic flaw in the import_module_class helper within sentence_transformers/util/misc.py, where the guard condition includes an 'or os.path.exists(model_name_or_path)' clause that satisfies the trust gate whenever the supplied path exists on the local filesystem, regardless of the trust_remote_code=False argument. Attackers who can control or influence the contents of a model directory on disk can place malicious Python files such as modeling_*.py referenced via modules.json, causing the code to execute at import time when an application loads the model with SentenceTransformer(path, trust_remote_code=False), bypassing the documented security contract and achieving code execution within the loading process.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python (PyPI) | sentence-transformers | < 5.6.0 | 5.6.0 |
References
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-68770
- https://github.com/huggingface/sentence-transformers/issues/3801
- https://github.com/huggingface/sentence-transformers/pull/3807
- https://github.com/huggingface/sentence-transformers/pull/3935
- https://github.com/huggingface/sentence-transformers/commit/626eb602b088878a8173bcab69225f68411b99e1
- https://github.com/huggingface/sentence-transformers/commit/ae1acc3fb2aa2004577b297eb4a915ce7a03316a
- https://github.com/huggingface/sentence-transformers
- https://github.com/huggingface/sentence-transformers/releases/tag/v5.6.0
- https://github.com/huggingface/sentence-transformers/releases/tag/v6.0.0
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/sentence-transformers-arbitrary-code-execution-on-local-model-load-despite-trust-remote-code-false
- https://pypi.org/project/sentence-transformers
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-jhr6-gm9c-rqjv
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-94- Platform
- Python (PyPI)
- Package
sentence-transformers- Disclosed
- 31.07.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 15:18
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2026-4164 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-jhr6-gm9c-rqjv - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: sentence-transformers
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Python (PyPI)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
This is the only known vulnerability of this package.
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.