T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
scripts/generate.py:26- Finding
Unpinned Third-Party Dependency Installation Guidance
- Content
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Vulnerability Details
File Location:
scripts/generate.py:26-32andscripts/generate.py:44-48
Vulnerability Type: Unpinned dependencies and mutable package resolution
Risk Level: LowVulnerable Code
python try: from docx import Document from docx.shared import Pt, RGBColor, Inches from docx.enum.text import WD_ALIGN_PARAGRAPH from docx.oxml.ns import qn from docx.oxml import OxmlElement except ImportError: print("ERROR: python-docx required. Install with: pip3 install python-docx pyyaml") sys.exit(1)The same insecure installation recommendation is repeated for the YAML dependency:
python else: print("ERROR: PyYAML not installed. Use .json config or: pip3 install pyyaml") sys.exit(1)Technical Analysis
The generator recommends installing
python-docxandpyyamldirectly from the package index without specifying reviewed versions or cryptographic hashes. The project contains no lockfile or hash-verified requirements manifest.Consequently, dependency resolution is mutable: running the displayed command at different times may install different package releases and transitive dependencies. If an upstream package, release process, package-index account, or transitive dependency is compromised, malicious code could execute during installation or when the generator imports the package.
This finding does not establish that the named packages are currently malicious. The weakness is the absence of reproducible, integrity-verified dependency resolution.
Attack Path
- An attacker compromises a dependency release, maintainer account, distribution channel, or relevant transitive dependency.
- A user runs the generator without one of the required modules installed.
- The script displays
pip3 install python-docx pyyamlorpip3 install pyyaml. - The user follows the recommendation, causing
pipto resolve the latest a ...[truncated 814 chars]
- Remediation
View remediation
Remediation Suggestions
- Add a reviewed dependency manifest containing exact versions, such as
requirements.txt. - Include SHA-256 hashes for every direct and transitive distribution and require hash verification:
bash python -m pip install --require-hashes -r requirements.txt - Generate and review the locked dependency set using a reproducible dependency-management tool.
- Replace the inline installation recommendation with instructions referencing the locked manifest.
- Run automated dependency vulnerability and provenance checks in CI.
- Install dependencies inside an isolated virtual environment and avoid elevated installation privileges.
- Periodically update pinned versions through a controlled review and testing process.
- Add a reviewed dependency manifest containing exact versions, such as