T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
package.json:10- Finding
Mutable Playwright Dependency and Executable Installation Tooling
- Content
View full analysis
Vulnerability Details
File Location:
package.json:10-12; related installation instructions inSKILL.md:17-22
Vulnerability Type: Supply-chain exposure through an unpinned executable dependency
Risk Level: MediumVulnerable Code
package.json:10-12:json "dependencies": { "playwright": "^1.50.0" }SKILL.md:17-22:bash npm install playwright npx playwright install chromiumTechnical Analysis
The dependency declaration uses the caret range
^1.50.0, allowing npm to resolve later compatible Playwright releases instead of requiring one specifically reviewed version. The documentednpm install playwrightcommand is even less restrictive because it requests the current package release without specifying a version.The following
npx playwright install chromiumcommand executes Playwright's installation tooling and downloads a browser artifact. Without a committed lockfile and a workflow that enforces it, the package code and browser artifact installed at a later date may differ from those present during this audit.This is a supply-chain hardening deficiency rather than evidence that the current Playwright package is malicious. Exploitation requires compromise or malicious modification of an upstream package, registry response, dependency resolution path, or associated browser-distribution infrastructure.
Attack Path
- An attacker compromises an allowed future Playwright release, its dependency chain, the package registry delivery path, or related artifact infrastructure.
- A user follows the documented instruction
npm install playwright, or installs dependencies frompackage.jsonwithout an enforced lockfile. - npm resolves and installs mutable package content that was not the version reviewed with this project.
- The user runs
npx playwright install chromium, causing package-provided tooling to execute and retrieve a browser artifact. - Compro ...[truncated 692 chars]
- Remediation
View remediation
Remediation Suggestions
-
Pin Playwright to an exact reviewed version rather than a caret range:
json "dependencies": { "playwright": "1.50.0" } -
Generate, review, and commit
package-lock.json, including its integrity metadata. -
In automated and documented installation workflows, use:
bash npm ci npx --no-install playwright install chromiumnpm cienforces the committed dependency graph, while--no-installpreventsnpxfrom silently downloading another package when the local executable is unavailable. -
Replace the unversioned instruction
npm install playwrightwith installation from the reviewed lockfile. -
Use a trusted npm registry, retain TLS verification, and monitor Playwright and transitive dependencies for advisories or unexpected ownership and release changes.
-
Perform installation and browser execution as an unprivileged user in an isolated environment where feasible.
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Review lockfile changes and browser artifact updates before accepting dependency upgrades.
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