T08 · Insecure Dependencies
Error
- Location
- SKILL.md:24
- Finding
- Unpinned Third-Party Package Retrieval and Execution## Vulnerability Details **File Location**: `SKILL.md:24` **Vulnerability Type**: Supply-chain exposure through unpinned executable dependencies **Risk Level**: High ```bash npx awal@latest status ``` Related unpinned commands also appear at `SKILL.md:30`, `SKILL.md:38`, `SKILL.md:215`, `SKILL.md:240`, and `SKILL.md:243`: ```bash npx awal@latest address npm install express x402-express npm install @coinbase/x402 npx awal@latest x402 details http://localhost:3000/api/example npx awal@latest x402 pay http://localhost:3000/api/example ``` ### Technical Analysis The skill directs the agent to retrieve and execute the `latest` release of the `awal` npm package. The effective code can therefore change after the skill has been reviewed. The other installation commands also omit exact versions, lockfile enforcement, and integrity or provenance validation. `npx` can download a missing package and execute its entry point. npm installation can also execute package lifecycle scripts. Consequently, compromise of a referenced package, maintainer account, transitive dependency, or package-distribution channel could result in arbitrary code running with the privileges of the user invoking the skill. ### Attack Path 1. An attacker compromises a referenced npm package, its publishing account, or one of its transitive dependencies. 2. The attacker publishes a malicious version that becomes the version selected by `@latest` or an unconstrained installation. 3. A user or agent follows the skill and runs the documented `npx` or `npm install` command. 4. npm downloads the malicious package and executes its command entry point or lifecycle script. 5. The malicious code runs under the invoking user's account and can access resources available to that account. ### Impact Assessment Successful exploitation can provide arbitrary code execution with the invoking user's privileges. The potential scope includes reading or modifying a ...[truncated 313 chars]
- Remediation
- ## Remediation Suggestions - Replace `npx awal@latest` with an exact, reviewed version. - Pin exact versions of `express`, `x402-express`, and `@coinbase/x402`. - Generate and commit a lockfile, then use `npm ci` rather than unconstrained installation. - Verify registry provenance, package ownership, published checksums, and integrity metadata before execution. - Review direct and transitive dependencies and monitor them for compromise or unexpected ownership changes. - Where feasible, disable package lifecycle scripts during installation and explicitly permit only reviewed scripts. - Execute payment and wallet tooling in an isolated, least-privileged environment without unrelated credentials.