T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
README.md:15- Finding
Unpinned Third-Party Dependency Installation
- Content
View full analysis
Vulnerability Details
File Location:
README.md:15-18
Vulnerability Type: Unpinned third-party dependency
Risk Level: MediumVulnerable Code
bash pip3 install python-docxTechnical Analysis
The documented installation command installs the latest available version of
python-docxand its transitive dependencies without a version constraint, lock file, or cryptographic integrity hashes. Consequently, the installed code may differ across environments and over time.This creates a software supply-chain risk. If a future package version or transitive dependency is compromised, users following the documented installation procedure could install and execute malicious code. The audit found no evidence that the current
python-docxpackage is malicious; the vulnerability is the absence of dependency pinning and integrity verification.Attack Path
- An attacker compromises a future release of
python-docxor one of its transitive dependencies. - A user follows the installation command in
README.md. pipresolves and downloads the compromised release because no reviewed version or hash is specified.- Malicious package code executes during installation or when
contract_review.pyimports the package. - The code operates with the permissions of the user running the installation or review script.
Impact Assessment
Successful exploitation could permit arbitrary code execution under the installing user's account. Depending on that user's privileges, the compromised dependency could access readable contract files, environment variables, credentials, and other local data, or modify files available to the account. This issue does not independently provide privilege escalation beyond the invoking user's permissions.
- An attacker compromises a future release of
- Remediation
View remediation
Remediation Suggestions
- Pin
python-docxto a specifically reviewed version. - Maintain dependencies in a version-controlled requirements or lock file.
- Record and verify cryptographic hashes using
pip --require-hashes. - Pin and audit transitive dependencies where practical.
- Use automated dependency vulnerability monitoring and periodically review pinned versions.
- Install dependencies in an isolated virtual environment with least privilege.
Example hardened workflow:
text # requirements.txt python-docx==REVIEWED_VERSION --hash=sha256:VERIFIED_PACKAGE_HASHbash python3 -m venv .venv .venv/bin/python -m pip install --require-hashes -r requirements.txt- Pin
