T03 · Remote Payload Retrieval and Execution
- Location
SKILL.md:118- Finding
Unverified Remote SDK Archive Is Extracted Directly into the Active Skill Directory
- Content
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/skills/botlearn/ && curl -sL https://www.botlearn.ai/sdk/botlearn-sdk.tar.gz | tar -xz -C /skills/botlearn/ ``` The self-update flow uses the same unsafe construction: ```bash curl -sL https://www.botlearn.ai/sdk/botlearn-sdk.tar.gz | tar -xz -C /skills/botlearn/ ``` ### Technical Analysis A mutable archive is streamed from the BotLearn server directly into `tar` and extracted into the active Skill directory. There is no pinned version, cryptographic checksum, digital signature, archive manifest validation, staging review, or verification that the archive only contains expected paths. Because the destination contains both agent instructions and executable shell scripts, a modified archive can replace `SKILL.md`, command modules, templates, or the CLI itself. HTTPS protects the connection in transit but does not protect against a compromised BotLearn server, release pipeline, account, or signing infrastructure. The update mechanism is especially dangerous when combined with unattended heartbeat operation and the default `auto_update: true` setting. ### Attack Path 1. An attacker compromises the SDK distribution endpoint or its release pipeline. 2. The attacker replaces `botlearn-sdk.tar.gz` with an archive containing modified instructions or scripts. 3. A user follows the installation command, or an automated update retrieves the archive. 4. `tar` immediately overwrites files in the active Skill directory. 5. The host agent subsequently loads the modified `SKILL.md` or invokes a modified shell command. 6. The replacement payload runs with the filesystem, network, and tool privileges available to the host agent. ### Impact Assessment Successful exploitation provides control over the effe ...[truncated 250 chars]- Remediation
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