T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
SKILL.md:31- Finding
Unpinned Third-Party Python Dependencies
- Content
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Vulnerability Details
File Location:
SKILL.md, line 31
Vulnerability Type: Unpinned third-party dependencies
Risk Level: Mediumbash pip install openai pillowTechnical Analysis
The installation command retrieves the latest available versions of the
openaiandpillowpackages without version constraints or integrity hashes. Consequently, installations are not reproducible and may automatically consume a future compromised, malicious, or incompatible package release.Python packages and their transitive dependencies can execute package-controlled code during installation or when imported at runtime. Although the referenced package names are legitimate and no malicious package is included in the audited project, the unrestricted dependency resolution creates a supply-chain exposure.
Attack Path
- An attacker compromises one of the named packages, a transitive dependency, or its distribution account.
- The attacker publishes a malicious release under a version accepted by the unrestricted installation command.
- A user follows the documented command after that release becomes available.
pipdownloads and installs the affected release.- Malicious installation or runtime code executes under the installing user's account.
This attack path is conditional upon upstream supply-chain compromise; the audited file does not itself host or retrieve a known malicious dependency.
Impact Assessment
A compromised dependency could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running
pipor the resulting application. Potential effects include reading or modifying files accessible to that account, stealing application credentials such as API keys, tampering with generated content, and making unauthorized network requests. If installation is performed by a privileged account, the impact could extend to system-wide resources.- Remediation
View remediation
Remediation Suggestions
- Pin every direct dependency to a reviewed, exact version.
- Generate and commit a lock file that also constrains transitive dependencies.
- Use cryptographic hashes, such as a hash-locked requirements file installed with
pip --require-hashes. - Regularly scan dependencies for known vulnerabilities and review updates before changing pinned versions.
- Install dependencies from the official Python Package Index or a controlled internal mirror.
- Perform installation and execution inside an isolated virtual environment or container using a non-privileged account.
- Document the tested Python and dependency versions so installations remain reproducible.
