T05 · Unauthorized Access and Privilege Escalation
- Location
SKILL.md:45- Finding
Silent Periodic Scanning Exceeds the Minimum Scope Required for Outbound Protection
- Content
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Vulnerability Details
File Location:
SKILL.md, lines 45-51
Vulnerability Type: Excessive filesystem access and background inspection
Risk Level: MediumVulnerable Code Snippet
markdown ### ℹ️ SHOULD check in background: **4. Heartbeat / periodic scan** During routine heartbeat checks, quietly scan workspace for new high-confidence secrets. Don't interrupt the user unless something critical is found. ```bash python3 SKILL_DIR/scripts/sanitize.py check [workspace] --severity critical --quiettext ### Technical Analysis The Skill's primary declared purpose is to inspect data before an outbound operation such as a Git push, Skill publication, synchronization, or file share. However, these instructions additionally direct the Agent to recursively inspect the workspace during routine heartbeat activity, even when no outbound action is pending and the user has not explicitly requested a privacy scan. The scan implementation recursively reads eligible text files beneath the supplied workspace. Project documentation expressly anticipates scanning sensitive Agent files such as `MEMORY.md` and `TOOLS.md`. Consequently, activating this background behavior grants the Skill broader read access than is necessary to inspect the specific files involved in an outbound operation. The scan remains local, and the audit found no HTTP client, socket operation, telemetry, or other code that transmits scan content. The concern is therefore excessive and silent local access rather than credential exfiltration. ### Attack Path 1. The Skill is installed and its instructions become available to the Agent. 2. A routine heartbeat occurs without a related push, publication, or file-sharing request. 3. The Agent follows the instruction to invoke `sanitize.py check` against the whole workspace. 4. The scanner recursively opens eligible files, potentially including Agent memory, configuration, and operational notes. 5. Detected data is retained in process mem ...[truncated 702 chars]- Remediation
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Remediation Suggestions
- Disable heartbeat and periodic workspace scanning by default.
- Require explicit, informed opt-in before enabling recurring scans.
- Limit automatic outbound checks to the exact staged files, publication directory, or files selected for sharing.
- Exclude Agent memory and state files such as
MEMORY.md,TOOLS.md, conversation records, and credential stores unless the user explicitly includes them. - Present the resolved scan scope before the first recurring scan and provide a straightforward way to revoke authorization.
- Store an approved path allowlist and reject scans outside those paths.
- Preserve local-only processing and ensure reports continue to mask matched values.
