T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
SKILL.md:135- Finding
Unnecessary and Unpinned Third-Party Dependency Installation
- Content
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Vulnerability Details
File Location:
SKILL.md, lines 135–139
Vulnerability Type: Unpinned and unnecessary dependency installation
Risk Level: MediumVulnerable Code:
bash # Ensure Python is available python3 --version # ... # Dependency notes pip install requestsTechnical Analysis
The skill instructs the agent or user to install the latest version of the third-party
requestspackage without specifying a reviewed version, validating an integrity hash, or requiring a trusted package index.The documented Pandoc conversion example does not import or use
requests, making this dependency unnecessary for the demonstrated functionality. Installing an unused package expands the software supply-chain attack surface without providing a corresponding functional benefit.Package installation can process package metadata, installation hooks, and transitive dependencies using the privileges of the account running
pip. The exact artifact selected can also change over time because no version or hash is pinned. Exploitation would require compromise or manipulation of the configured package source, package release, dependency resolution, or local package-index configuration; the audited file does not itself identify a malicious package or repository.Attack Path
- An AI agent or user follows the environment-preparation instructions in
SKILL.md. - The command
pip install requestsis executed in the current Python environment. - Pip resolves mutable package artifacts and transitive dependencies from the environment's configured package index.
- If the index configuration, selected release, or a resolved dependency has been compromised, attacker-controlled package content is downloaded and processed.
- Malicious installation or runtime behavior executes with the privileges of the user or automation account invoking
pip.
Impact Assessment
Successful exploitation could pe ...[truncated 451 chars]
- An AI agent or user follows the environment-preparation instructions in
- Remediation
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Remediation Suggestions
- Remove
pip install requestsbecause the provided conversion implementation does not use that package. - Keep the documented dependency set minimal and list only packages required by implemented functionality.
- If a future implementation genuinely requires
requests, pin it to a reviewed version in a dependency manifest or lock file. - Require integrity hashes for downloaded artifacts, such as with a hash-locked requirements file and
pip install --require-hashes. - Use an explicitly configured, trusted package index or an internally controlled package mirror.
- Install dependencies in an isolated virtual environment or container under a non-privileged account.
- Apply automated dependency scanning and periodically review pinned versions for known vulnerabilities before updating them.
- Remove
