T08 · Insecure Dependencies
- Location
SKILL.md:9- Finding
Unpinned Dependency Installation into the System Python Environment
- Content
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Vulnerability Details
File Location:
SKILL.md, lines 9–12
Vulnerability Type: Unpinned third-party dependency installation and bypass of Python environment protections
Risk Level: MediumVulnerable Code
bash ## Installation pip install --break-system-packages yt-dlpTechnical Analysis
The installation command retrieves
yt-dlpwithout specifying a reviewed version or verifying an integrity hash. Consequently, the installed code depends on whichever release the package index resolves when the command is executed. This creates supply-chain exposure if a future release, package distribution channel, or transitive dependency is compromised.The
--break-system-packagesoption bypasses Python's externally managed environment protection. Rather than isolating the dependency, it permits installation into the host Python environment where package upgrades or conflicts can affect other system or user applications. The option does not itself elevate privileges, but it increases the scope of changes under the permissions already held by the invoking user.Attack Path
- A user or agent follows the installation command from
SKILL.md. pipresolves the latest availableyt-dlppackage and any required dependencies from its configured package index.- If the resolved release, dependency, index, or distribution path has been compromised, attacker-controlled installation or runtime code is downloaded.
- The package is installed outside an isolated environment because
--break-system-packagesoverrides the environment safeguard. - Malicious code can execute with the permissions of the invoking account during installation or when the downloaded tool is subsequently run.
This path depends on compromise or malicious substitution in the dependency supply chain; the audited project does not itself contain an embedded payload.
Impact Assessment
Successful exploitation could permit co ...[truncated 571 chars]
- A user or agent follows the installation command from
- Remediation
View remediation
Remediation Suggestions
- Install the tool in an isolated environment using
pipxor a dedicated virtual environment. - Pin
yt-dlpto a specifically reviewed version rather than resolving the latest release dynamically. - Remove
--break-system-packagesto preserve Python's externally managed environment protections. - Where installation is performed through
pip, use a reviewed requirements file with cryptographic hashes and the--require-hashesoption. - Review and update the pinned version through a controlled dependency-update process.
Example using
pipx:bash pipx install yt-dlp==REVIEWED_VERSIONExample using an isolated virtual environment and hash verification:
bash python3 -m venv .venv . .venv/bin/activate python -m pip install --require-hashes -r requirements.txtThe corresponding
requirements.txtshould contain an exact reviewed version and trusted SHA-256 hashes for every resolved distribution.- Install the tool in an isolated environment using
