T03 · Remote Payload Retrieval and Execution
Error
- Location
- README.md:17
- Finding
- Mutable Remote Installer Is Piped Directly into Bash<![CDATA[ ## Vulnerability Details **File Location**: `README.md`, lines 17-18 **Vulnerability Type**: Remote payload retrieval and execution **Risk Level**: High ```bash curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Wray151/xeonupscale/main/install.sh \ | REPO_URL=https://github.com/Wray151/xeonupscale bash ``` ### Technical Analysis The documented installation method downloads `install.sh` from the mutable `main` branch of a personal GitHub repository and immediately passes its contents to Bash. There is no commit pinning, release pinning, checksum validation, digital-signature verification, or opportunity to review the downloaded content before execution. Although downloading installation code can support the Skill's functionality, immediate execution of mutable remote content is not required. The same functionality can be implemented by downloading a pinned release, verifying it, and executing it separately. This design means that the code actually executed can differ from the version reviewed during this audit. HTTPS protects data in transit but does not protect against repository compromise, maintainer account takeover, malicious upstream changes, or an incorrectly configured repository. ### Attack Path 1. An attacker compromises the repository, its maintainer account, or the `main` branch. 2. The attacker modifies `install.sh` to include arbitrary commands. 3. A user or Agent follows the documented one-line installation command. 4. `curl` retrieves the attacker-controlled script. 5. Bash executes the script immediately without integrity verification. 6. The payload runs with all permissions available to the installing user. ### Impact Assessment Successful exploitation provides arbitrary command execution under the account running the installer. The attacker could read or modify files accessible to that user, alter Agent or Skill configuration, steal user-accessible credentials, install additional payloads, or destroy data. The command does not ...[truncated 194 chars]
- Remediation
- <![CDATA[ ## Remediation Suggestions - Remove the `curl | bash` installation method from the documentation. - Publish versioned, immutable releases and instruct users to download a specific release or commit. - Publish a SHA-256 digest through a separately controlled or signed release channel. - Download the installer to a local file, verify its digest or signature, and only then execute it. - Prefer a workflow such as: 1. Download a pinned release archive. 2. Verify its cryptographic checksum or signature. 3. Extract it into a newly created directory. 4. Review and execute the local installer. - If Git is used, pin and verify a specific commit rather than relying on the mutable `main` branch. - Clearly state that the installer should not be run with `sudo` or as root. ]]>