T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
README.md:20- Finding
Unpinned Third-Party Package Execution Through npx
- Content
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Vulnerability Details
File Location:
README.md:20-21
Vulnerability Type: Supply-chain risk from an unpinned executable dependency
Risk Level: MediumVulnerable Code
bash # via npx (recommended) npx skills add huangjihua007-rgb/qinbixiedeTechnical Analysis
The recommended installation command invokes the
skillspackage throughnpxwithout specifying an audited version or integrity value. Depending on the local npm andnpxconfiguration, the command may retrieve and execute a mutable package version from the configured package registry.The repository does not provide a lockfile, checksum, package signature, expected registry, or pinned package version for this command. Consequently, the behavior executed during installation can change after this repository has been reviewed. This creates a supply-chain trust boundary between the audited Skill and the independently maintained package resolved by
npx.The issue does not establish that the current dependency is malicious. The risk is that compromise, substitution, or an unexpected future release could introduce arbitrary installation-time behavior.
Attack Path
- An attacker compromises the account, registry entry, publishing credentials, or distribution infrastructure associated with the
skillspackage. - The attacker publishes a modified release containing malicious installation or runtime behavior.
- A user follows the repository's recommended unpinned
npx skills add ...command. npxresolves and downloads the attacker-controlled version.- The downloaded package executes with the privileges of the user running the command.
Impact Assessment
Successful exploitation could allow arbitrary code execution under the installer user's account. Depending on that user's privileges and environment, the malicious package could read or modify user-accessible files, access environment variables and development creden ...[truncated 271 chars]
- An attacker compromises the account, registry entry, publishing credentials, or distribution infrastructure associated with the
- Remediation
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Remediation Suggestions
- Pin the installer package to a specific, reviewed version rather than allowing mutable resolution.
- Document the expected package registry and package ownership.
- Publish and verify a cryptographic integrity hash or signature for the installer.
- Provide a lockfile or equivalent reproducible dependency manifest where supported.
- Recommend reviewing the resolved package and its installation scripts before execution.
- Avoid presenting mutable third-party package execution as the preferred installation method unless its provenance and integrity are verified.
- Consider supplying a non-executing installation path that downloads a versioned Skill archive and verifies its checksum before extraction.
