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A Practical Fuzzer for the Python Runtime System

  • Washington State University Pullman

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Python's widespread usage underscores the critical need for the reliability and security of its runtime system. However, automated tools for detecting runtime bugs in this impactful language are scarce. This tool demo showcases PyRTFuzz, a practical fuzzing tool for testing the Python runtime which encompasses the language interpreter and runtime libraries. Leveraging a blend of generation- and mutation-based fuzzing. PyRTFuzz unveils 61 exploitable bugs, including those within the interpreter core and various runtime libraries. Demonstrating scalability and cost-effectiveness, PyRTFuzz shows promise for extensive bug detection, with potential applicability to the runtime of other interpreted languages.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFSE Companion 2026 - Proceedings of the 34th ACM International Conference on the Foundations of Software Engineering
EditorsShin Hwei Tan, Foutse Khomh
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages187-191
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9798400726361
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 17 2026
EventACM International Conference on the Foundations of Software Engineering, FSE 2026 - Montreal, Canada
Duration: Jul 5 2026Jul 9 2026

Publication series

NameFSE Companion 2026 - Proceedings of the 34th ACM International Conference on the Foundations of Software Engineering

Conference

ConferenceACM International Conference on the Foundations of Software Engineering, FSE 2026
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal
Period07/5/2607/9/26

Keywords

  • fuzzing
  • interpreted language
  • language runtime
  • python

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