T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
SKILL.md:236- Finding
Unpinned Third-Party Dependency Installation
- Content
View full analysis
Vulnerability Details
File Location:
SKILL.md:236
Vulnerability Type: Uncontrolled third-party dependency version
Risk Level: MediumComplete Code Snippet:
markdown | PyYAML | Python package | Required | `pip install pyyaml` (used to parse schema.yaml) |Technical Analysis
The setup instructions install PyYAML without specifying a reviewed version, lock file, or integrity hash. Consequently, the package content installed by users can change after the Skill has been audited.
Although
pyyamlis the expected official package name and no malicious dependency is currently demonstrated, unconstrained dependency resolution creates a supply-chain exposure. A compromised upstream release, package-index account, index configuration, or unexpectedly incompatible future version could introduce unwanted behavior during installation or subsequent import.Attack Path
- A user follows the dependency installation instructions.
pipresolvespyyamlusing the environment's currently configured package index.- The latest matching release is selected because no version constraint is present.
- If that release or package source has been compromised, attacker-controlled package content is installed.
- Malicious behavior could run during installation or when the package is imported by a future implementation.
This attack path is conditional on compromise or manipulation of the dependency supply chain; the audited project does not itself contain evidence that PyYAML is malicious.
Impact Assessment
Dependency code normally executes with the privileges of the user performing installation or running the Skill. Potential access therefore includes files, environment variables, credentials, and network resources available to that account. If installation is combined with the separate recommendation to run operations as an administrator, the potential scope could become system-wide.
- Remediation
View remediation
Remediation Suggestions
- Pin PyYAML to a reviewed, compatible version or narrowly constrained version range.
- Maintain dependencies in a lock file rather than relying on an unconstrained inline installation command.
- Use hashes, such as pip's
--require-hashesmode, to verify downloaded artifacts. - Document the trusted package index and reject unexpected additional indexes.
- Regularly scan and update the pinned dependency after security review.
- Prefer installation in an isolated virtual environment under an unprivileged user account.
