How Attackers Abuse Entry Points in Supply Chain Attacks
Supply chain attacks have become a growing concern, particularly with the rise of open source packages and libraries across various programming languages. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in the software supply chain, targeting developers and enterprises that rely on third-party tools to streamline workflows.
A recent warning by Checkmarx highlights the dangers posed by entry points within these packages that can be abused to execute malicious code, leading to devastating supply chain attacks.
Entry Points: A Gateway for Attackers
Entry points are designed to expose specific functionalities of a package, allowing developers to create command-line scripts or load plugins. While this offers convenience, it also creates a potential vulnerability. Attackers can manipulate entry points to execute arbitrary code on a user’s system, leading to supply chain attacks.
Python, a widely used programming language, is particularly susceptible to entry point attacks. The console_scripts entry point, which allows developers to create command-line tools, is a common target. By creating malicious packages that mimic popular tools, attackers can trick developers into executing harmful code.
For example, attackers could build a malicious package posing as a common tool like AWS. Developers who frequently interact with AWS in their workflows might unknowingly execute this fake “aws” command, giving attackers access to sensitive information like AWS keys and credentials. This form of attack not only targets Python developers but also those who use a wide array of tools across various development environments, such as docker, npm, pip, git, and more.
Malicious Plugins and Extensions
Another threat comes from malicious plugins and extensions, which can hijack entry points in popular development tools and frameworks. In Python, for example, a malicious plugin could be introduced to a commonly used testing framework like pytest. This plugin might seem legitimate at first but could stealthily run malicious code in the background, even manipulating test results to pass buggy or vulnerable code. Such actions could cause widespread damage, especially if developers unknowingly incorporate these false results into production systems.
Supply chain attacks aren’t confined to Python alone. Checkmarx highlights that major ecosystems across multiple programming languages are at risk. Vulnerabilities in entry points can be found in platforms like npm (JavaScript), NuGet (.NET), Ruby Gems, and Rust Crates. The sheer number of open source packages and the frequency with which developers rely on them make these ecosystems fertile ground for attackers.
In each of these ecosystems, malicious actors can create fake packages or tamper with legitimate ones to introduce vulnerabilities. These packages often pose as trusted third-party tools, further increasing their chances of being adopted by unsuspecting users.
Mitigating the Risk
Developers and organizations must be vigilant to protect themselves from supply chain attacks:
- Verify package authenticity: Use trusted sources and verify package integrity.
- Limit package permissions: Grant packages only the necessary permissions to prevent unauthorized access.
- Regularly update packages: Keep packages up-to-date to address known vulnerabilities.
- Scan dependencies: Use automated tools to scan dependencies for vulnerabilities.
- Implement security best practices: Follow secure coding practices and enforce strong access controls.
By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, developers can help mitigate the threat of supply chain attacks and ensure the security of their applications.
The sources for this article include a story from SecurityWeek.