T08 · Insecure Dependencies
Warning
- Location
SKILL.md:15- Finding
Unpinned Third-Party Dependency Installation
- Content
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Vulnerability Details
File Location:
SKILL.md, lines 15–19
Vulnerability Type: Unconstrained third-party package installation
Risk Level: MediumVulnerable Code Snippet:
markdown ## Setup ```bash pip install python-pptx # or: uv pip install python-pptxtext ### Technical Analysis The setup instructions install `python-pptx` without specifying an audited version, lockfile, package hash, or trusted package index. Consequently, the dependency resolved at installation time may differ from the version originally reviewed. This creates supply-chain exposure if a future package release or transitive dependency is compromised. Package installation and subsequent imports may execute package-controlled code with the privileges of the user running the installation or presentation-generation script. The audit did not find evidence that `python-pptx` is currently malicious. The issue is the absence of controls ensuring that users install a known and verified dependency set. ### Attack Path 1. An attacker compromises a future release of the named package or one of its transitive dependencies. 2. Alternatively, an attacker influences dependency resolution through an untrusted or misconfigured Python package index. 3. A user follows the documented `pip install python-pptx` or `uv pip install python-pptx` instruction. 4. The package manager resolves and installs the attacker-controlled release because no version or hash is enforced. 5. Malicious installation hooks or imported package code execute in the user's environment. 6. The payload obtains the same filesystem, process, network, and account permissions as the user performing the installation or running the generated script. ### Impact Assessment Successful exploitation could result in arbitrary code execution under the installing user's account. The accessible scope may include project files, generated presentations, environment variables, ...[truncated 270 chars]- Remediation
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Remediation Suggestions
- Pin
python-pptxand every transitive dependency to versions that have been reviewed and tested. - Store the resolved dependency set in a lockfile or hash-checked requirements file.
- Require package hashes during installation to prevent unreviewed artifacts from being accepted.
- Explicitly select the trusted Python Package Index rather than relying on ambient package-manager configuration.
- Install dependencies in a dedicated virtual environment with least-privilege permissions.
- Periodically review pinned dependencies for published security advisories and update them through a controlled process.
Example hardened workflow:
bash python3 -m venv .venv .venv/bin/pip install \ --index-url https://pypi.org/simple \ --require-hashes \ -r requirements.txtThe corresponding
requirements.txtshould contain an audited exact version and valid distribution hashes rather than a floating version constraint.- Pin