T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
SKILL.md:138- Finding
Unpinned Package Execution Through npx
- Content
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Vulnerability Details
File Location:
SKILL.md:138
Vulnerability Type: Unpinned third-party package execution
Risk Level: Mediumbash npx skillhub@latest install pro-comm-toolkit-freeTechnical Analysis
The installation command instructs users to retrieve and execute the mutable
latestrelease of theskillhubpackage. No exact version, package integrity hash, lockfile, registry restriction, or signature-verification procedure is specified.Because the
latesttag can be reassigned after this audit, the code ultimately executed bynpxmay differ from the reviewed version. Package command code and applicable lifecycle behavior run with the permissions of the user invokingnpx. The project contains no evidence that the referenced package is currently malicious; the vulnerability is the unsafe and non-reproducible dependency acquisition process.Attack Path
- An attacker compromises the package publisher account, package registry entry, release pipeline, or another component controlling the
latestrelease. - The attacker publishes a modified package and assigns it to the
latesttag. - A user follows the documented installation command.
npxdownloads and executes the attacker-controlled package version.- The package executes within the invoking user's security context and can access resources available to that account.
Impact Assessment
Successful exploitation could allow arbitrary command execution with the privileges of the user performing the installation. Depending on that user's permissions, the payload could read or modify user-accessible files, access credentials exposed to the process, establish network connections, or alter the user's development environment. System-wide impact would require the command to be run under an administrative account or otherwise elevated environment.
- An attacker compromises the package publisher account, package registry entry, release pipeline, or another component controlling the
- Remediation
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Remediation Suggestions
- Replace
@latestwith a reviewed, exact package version, such asskillhub@X.Y.Z. - Document the trusted package registry and prevent fallback to untrusted or user-controlled registries.
- Publish and verify a cryptographic checksum or package signature before execution.
- Use lockfiles or an equivalent immutable dependency manifest where the installation workflow supports them.
- Review package lifecycle scripts and CLI entry points before approving a new version.
- Perform upgrades through a controlled process rather than automatically tracking the mutable
latesttag. - Advise users not to run the installation command with administrator or root privileges.
- Replace
