T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
SKILL.md:50- Finding
Unpinned Third-Party Dependencies
- Content
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Vulnerability Details
File Location:
SKILL.md, line 50
Vulnerability Type: Unpinned third-party dependency installation
Risk Level: MediumComplete Code Snippet:
bash pip install akshare pandasTechnical Analysis
The documented installation command retrieves the latest available versions of
akshareandpandaswithout version constraints, cryptographic hashes, or a lock file. This makes installation results dependent on mutable upstream package releases.Although the audit found no evidence that either named package is currently malicious, this practice weakens supply-chain integrity. A compromised upstream release, malicious dependency introduced transitively, or unexpected incompatible update could be installed automatically. Python packages may execute code during installation and will execute package-controlled code when imported;
kline.pyimportsakshareat runtime.Attack Path
- An attacker compromises the release process or distribution account of a named or transitive dependency.
- The attacker publishes a malicious version to the package index used by
pip. - A user follows the documented command without reviewed version constraints or hash verification.
pipresolves and installs the malicious release.- Attacker-controlled code executes during package installation or when the Skill imports and uses the package.
Impact Assessment
Malicious dependency code would generally run with the privileges of the user installing or invoking the Skill. It could access files and credentials available to that user, make arbitrary network requests, modify user-writable resources, or execute additional local commands. The practical scope depends on the invoking account's permissions and environment; the audited project itself does not request elevated privileges.
- Remediation
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Remediation Suggestions
- Pin every direct dependency to a reviewed, exact version.
- Generate and commit a lock file that also constrains transitive dependencies.
- Record cryptographic hashes and install with
pip --require-hashes. - Use a trusted, explicitly configured package index or an internally controlled package mirror.
- Add automated dependency vulnerability and integrity scanning.
- Review and deliberately update dependency versions rather than resolving the latest releases during every installation.
- Prefer an isolated virtual environment with only the permissions required by the Skill.
Example hardened workflow:
bash python -m pip install --require-hashes -r requirements.txtThe associated
requirements.txtshould contain exact versions and hashes for all resolved packages.
