T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
SKILL.md:141- Finding
Unpinned and Unnecessary Third-Party Dependency Installation
- Content
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Vulnerability Details
File Location:
SKILL.md, lines 141–146
Vulnerability Type:T08: Insecure Dependencies
Risk Level: LowVulnerable Code
bash # Ensure Python is available python3 --version # ... # Dependency pip install requestsTechnical Analysis
The environment setup directs the Agent to install
requestswithout specifying an exact version, verifying package hashes, restricting the package index, or using an isolated environment. The demonstrated document-navigation code does not import or otherwise use this dependency, so the installation also appears unnecessary for the documented functionality.An unpinned package reference is mutable: different executions may resolve to different releases or artifacts. If the configured package index, account, distribution artifact, dependency chain, or local package-resolution configuration is compromised,
pipcould retrieve attacker-controlled content. Python source distributions and build backends may execute code during package preparation or installation. A malicious package would also execute when subsequently imported.This instruction alone does not prove that the legitimate
requestspackage is malicious. The risk arises from unnecessary installation and the absence of supply-chain controls.Attack Path
- A user or Agent follows the environment-preparation instructions.
- The Agent runs
pip install requestswith its current Python and package-index configuration. - Because no version, hash, or trusted index is specified,
pipresolves mutable package artifacts. - An attacker who has compromised the selected artifact, an upstream dependency, package-index routing, or the environment's index configuration supplies malicious content.
- Malicious build logic executes during source-package processing, or malicious runtime logic executes when the installed package is imported.
- The payload operates with the permis ...[truncated 631 chars]
- Remediation
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Remediation Suggestions
- Remove the
pip install requestsinstruction if the Skill does not use the package. - If the dependency is required, declare an audited exact version rather than resolving the latest available release.
- Require package hashes, for example through a locked requirements file installed with
pip install --require-hashes. - Restrict installation to an explicitly trusted package index and reject unintended extra indexes.
- Install dependencies in a dedicated virtual environment or sandbox under a non-privileged account.
- Prefer pre-reviewed binary artifacts where appropriate, and prevent unexpected source builds.
- Add automated dependency and vulnerability scanning, and update the lock file through a controlled review process.
- Document why the dependency is needed and where it is used so unnecessary installation instructions do not expand the Skill's attack surface.
- Remove the
