T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
SKILL.md:177- Finding
Unpinned Third-Party Dependency Installation
- Content
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Vulnerability Details
File Location:
SKILL.md:177andSKILL.md:341
Vulnerability Type: Unpinned Python dependency
Risk Level: MediumVulnerable Code
bash # Install Piper TTS pip3 install --user piper-ttsThe dependency table repeats the same installation pattern:
text | piper-tts | Python library | Required | `pip install piper-tts` |Technical Analysis
The Skill instructs an agent or user to install
piper-ttswithout specifying an audited version or verifying a package hash. Package resolution therefore depends on mutable package-index state at installation time.If the package distribution, publisher account, or configured package index is compromised, a later installation could retrieve content different from what was reviewed. Installation may execute package build or installation logic with the privileges of the invoking user. The
--useroption avoids a system-wide installation but does not isolate the package from the user's Python environment or protect files and credentials accessible to that account.The available evidence does not establish that
piper-ttsis malicious. The vulnerability is the absence of version and integrity controls around executable third-party content.Attack Path
- An attacker compromises the dependency publisher, package distribution channel, or package index used by the environment.
- The attacker publishes a modified release under the dependency name.
- A user or agent follows the Skill and runs the unpinned installation command.
- The package manager resolves the attacker-controlled release because no exact version or hash is required.
- Malicious build, installation, import-time, or runtime behavior executes in the context of the invoking user.
Impact Assessment
Successful exploitation could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running
pip. This could expose or modify files, environment variables, agent-accessible data, generated audi ...[truncated 299 chars]- Remediation
View remediation
Remediation Suggestions
- Pin the dependency to a specifically audited version, such as
piper-tts==X.Y.Z. - Generate and enforce SHA-256 hashes using a lock file or
pip install --require-hashes. - Record the trusted package index explicitly and require TLS certificate validation.
- Install the package in a dedicated virtual environment rather than the user's shared Python environment.
- Review transitive dependencies and lock their versions and hashes as well.
- Use a controlled internal package mirror where practical.
- Add an update process that reviews new releases before changing the pinned version.
- Pin the dependency to a specifically audited version, such as
