T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
SKILL.md:63- Finding
Unpinned Dependency Installation Bypasses System Package Protections
- Content
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Vulnerability Details
File Location:
SKILL.md:63-70
Vulnerability Type: Unpinned third-party dependency installed into the system Python environment
Risk Level: MediumVulnerable Code
bash # Install yt-dlp (video download) pip3 install --break-system-packages yt-dlp # Install ffmpeg (audio processing) # Mac: brew install ffmpeg # Ubuntu: sudo apt install ffmpegTechnical Analysis
The documented installation command retrieves
yt-dlpfrom the package index without pinning an exact reviewed version or verifying an integrity hash. As a result, the installed code can change independently of this skill's review.The
--break-system-packagesoption also bypasses Python's externally managed environment protection. It permitspipto alter the host's system-level Python environment, potentially overwriting or introducing dependencies used by unrelated applications.The audit found no evidence that
yt-dlpis currently malicious and no intentional dependency-confusion package name was identified. The risk arises from unsafe dependency acquisition and installation practices: compromise of the package, its dependencies, an account, or the distribution channel could cause attacker-controlled installation or runtime code to execute.Attack Path
- An attacker compromises the published
yt-dlppackage, one of its transitive dependencies, a publisher account, or the package distribution channel. - A user follows the skill's documented
pip3 install --break-system-packages yt-dlpcommand. pipresolves and downloads the current uncontrolled package release without checking an expected version or cryptographic hash.- Package installation logic or subsequently imported executable code runs with the privileges of the user invoking
pip3. - Because system-package protections were bypassed, malicious or incompatible files may affect the shared Python environment and applications that depend on it.
Impact Assessment
S ...[truncated 501 chars]
- An attacker compromises the published
- Remediation
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Remediation Suggestions
- Remove
--break-system-packagesand install the dependency in an isolated environment, such as a dedicated virtual environment orpipx. - Pin
yt-dlpto an exact reviewed version rather than resolving the latest release implicitly. - Use a lock file or requirements file with cryptographic hashes and install with hash enforcement, for example:
bash python3 -m venv .venv . .venv/bin/activate python3 -m pip install --require-hashes -r requirements.txt- Generate
requirements.txtwith an exact version and approved SHA-256 hashes for the package and all resolved dependencies. - Obtain packages only from a trusted, explicitly configured repository and consider using an internally mirrored and scanned package index.
- Regularly scan and update the pinned dependency through a controlled review process.
- Document that installation must not be performed with
sudoor another privileged account.
- Remove
