T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
README.md:24- Finding
Unpinned Third-Party Installer Execution
- Content
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Vulnerability Details
File Location:
README.md, line 24
Vulnerability Type: Unpinned third-party package and mutable remote source
Risk Level: MediumVulnerable Code
bash npx skills add https://github.com/op7418/Humanizer-zh.gitTechnical Analysis
The recommended installation command uses
npxto obtain and execute theskillsnpm package without specifying a reviewed version or integrity hash. Depending on the local environment and cache state,npxmay download the current package release and execute its code with the user's privileges.The Git repository supplied to that installer is also referenced without a commit hash or immutable release identifier. Both executable installer behavior and installed Skill content can therefore change after this project has been reviewed. The implementation of the
skillspackage and the remote repository content are not included in the audited artifact, so their behavior cannot be verified by this audit.This is a supply-chain weakness rather than evidence that either external source is currently malicious.
Attack Path
- An attacker compromises, replaces, or maliciously updates the unpinned
skillsnpm package, or gains control of the referenced Git repository. - The attacker publishes code or Skill content containing an unwanted payload.
- A user follows the recommended
npx skills addcommand. npxretrieves and executes the mutable installer package with the user's permissions.- The installer may execute arbitrary local operations or install attacker-controlled Skill instructions.
- The resulting impact persists to the extent that modified files or malicious Skill content remain installed.
Impact Assessment
Successful exploitation through the npm installer could permit arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running
npx. This could expose files and credentials accessible to that account, modify local development configuration, or instal ...[truncated 399 chars]- An attacker compromises, replaces, or maliciously updates the unpinned
- Remediation
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Remediation Suggestions
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Pin the npm installer to a reviewed, exact version:
bash npx --yes skills@<reviewed-version> add <immutable-source> -
Reference a reviewed Git commit rather than a mutable default branch.
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Publish and verify checksums or cryptographic signatures for release artifacts.
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Document the expected installer behavior and the files it creates or modifies.
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Prefer manual installation from a reviewed release archive when practical.
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Advise users to inspect the package and remote Skill contents before installation, especially when running the command in an account with access to sensitive files.
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Avoid running the installer with administrator or root privileges.
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