T08 · Insecure Dependencies
Note
- Location
- SKILL.md:17
- Finding
- Unnecessary Unpinned Third-Party Dependency Installation<![CDATA[ ## Vulnerability Details **File Location**: `SKILL.md:17-19` **Vulnerability Type**: Unpinned and unnecessary third-party dependency **Risk Level**: Low ### Code Snippet ```yaml install: | No additional dependencies; the Python standard library is used. pip install requests ``` The explanatory text above is an English rendering of the installation block. The executable installation command is reproduced verbatim. ### Technical Analysis The installation instructions recommend installing `requests` without a fixed version, integrity hash, or lock file. The bundled implementation imports only `sys` and `re`; it neither imports `requests` nor implements URL retrieval. Consequently, this dependency is unnecessary for the audited code and expands the software supply-chain attack surface without providing current functionality. An unpinned installation allows the package resolver to select a release that may differ across installations. If the configured package index, dependency resolution path, or a future package release is compromised, package installation logic could execute attacker-controlled code. The audited project does not itself contain evidence of dependency confusion, typosquatting, or a malicious package, so the finding is limited to unsafe dependency guidance. ### Attack Path 1. A user follows the Skill installation instructions. 2. The user runs `pip install requests` against a configured external package index. 3. The resolver selects an unpinned package release and any applicable dependencies. 4. If the package source, selected release, or package index is compromised, installation-time code may execute under the privileges of the user running `pip`. 5. The compromised dependency may then affect the local Python environment even though the current script does not require it. ### Impact Assessment Potential impact is limited to the environment and privileges under which the package is installed. A compromised dependency could ...[truncated 268 chars]
- Remediation
- <![CDATA[ ## Remediation Suggestions 1. Remove the `pip install requests` instruction because the current implementation uses only the Python standard library. 2. If URL retrieval is implemented later, explicitly import and use the dependency only in that feature. 3. Pin the dependency to an audited version rather than allowing unconstrained resolution. 4. Record cryptographic hashes in a lock file or requirements file and require hash verification during installation. 5. Use a trusted package index and install dependencies inside an isolated virtual environment. 6. Document that remote resume retrieval is optional and ensure local-text analysis does not require network-related packages. ]]>
