T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
scripts/generate_report.py:56- Finding
Unpinned Third-Party Dependency Installation Guidance
- Content
View full analysis
Vulnerability Details
File Location:
scripts/generate_report.py:56-59,scripts/generate_report.py:147-150, andscripts/generate_report.py:236-239
Vulnerability Type: Unpinned dependency installation from the environment's configured package index
Risk Level: MediumVulnerable Code
The following pattern appears in the Excel score, quiz, and feedback parsing functions:
python try: import openpyxl except ImportError: print("Error: the openpyxl library is required. Run: pip install openpyxl") return []The feedback parser uses the equivalent return type:
python try: import openpyxl except ImportError: print("Error: the openpyxl library is required. Run: pip install openpyxl") return {}Technical Analysis
When
openpyxlis unavailable, the script directs the operator to install it using an unconstrainedpip install openpyxlcommand. The project does not provide a pinned dependency manifest, lockfile, package hash, or explicitly approved package index.Consequently, the installed artifact depends on mutable package-index state and the local pip configuration. Although
openpyxlis a legitimate package, this installation workflow does not guarantee that a previously reviewed version is installed. A compromised package release, compromised index, malicious package mirror, or attacker-controlled pip configuration could cause untrusted code to enter the runtime environment.Exploitation is not automatic from invoking the report generator: it requires the dependency to be missing and an operator or automation layer to execute the displayed installation command. If those conditions are met, malicious dependency code could execute during package installation or when the package is subsequently imported.
Attack Path
- The report generator receives input that requires Excel score, quiz, or feedback processing.
- The Python environment do ...[truncated 1278 chars]
- Remediation
View remediation
Remediation Suggestions
-
Declare all runtime dependencies, including
openpyxlandpython-docx, in a centrally maintained dependency manifest. -
Pin each dependency to a reviewed version rather than allowing unconstrained resolution.
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Use a hash-verified requirements file or a lockfile. For example:
text openpyxl==<reviewed-version> --hash=sha256:<verified-hash> python-docx==<reviewed-version> --hash=sha256:<verified-hash> -
Install dependencies only from an approved internal repository or an explicitly configured trusted index.
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Configure automated dependency scanning and a controlled process for reviewing version updates.
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Remove ad hoc installation commands from runtime error messages. Replace them with a neutral message that refers operators to the project's controlled setup documentation.
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Run dependency installation and report generation in an isolated virtual environment or container with only the filesystem permissions required for input and output files.
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