crates.io Postmortem: User Uploaded Malware | Inside Rust Blog
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  • @onlinepersona
    7•10 months ago

    This could be improved by follow what nix does: pull all dependencies first and then execute the build in a container or namespace without any access to the network.

    • TechNom (nobody)English
      1•10 months ago

      That can be done. But how do you trust a software at runtime if it can’t be trusted at build time?

      This is more of a supply chain issue. Users are likely to build only reputed crates. However, their dependencies may not be that reputed. For example, malicious actors may buy out a common and deeply buried dependency and use that to propagate malware (this regularly happens with browser extensions - even open source ones). How do we ensure that this doesn’t happen?

      • @onlinepersonaEnglish
        1•10 months ago

        That’s a big question and would require more effort than the maintainers of crates.io could probably muster. Also, do you know anybody who has solved it in opensource? How would you enforce the solution on some dude writing code in his basement to “just make it work” on his 1 day off from an otherwise busy life?

        • TechNom (nobody)English
          1•10 months ago

          Also, do you know anybody who has solved it in opensource?

          I forgot to mention that this is a problem on every major language registry - especially PyPI and NPM.

          How would you enforce the solution on some dude writing code in his basement to “just make it work” on his 1 day off from an otherwise busy life?

          There are two things to consider. The first is that all major open source languages are run by foundations with big players and a lot of funding and donations. It’s probably a good idea to invest in a paid team dedicated to security. I’m sure everyone’s thought about it already but hasn’t done enough so far.

          The second fact is that professionals - especially security companies - do occasionally report them. Like this story, for instance. So they are doing something right and it’s possible. It’s a good idea to fund them and increase their scope (hopefully, they won’t introduce any malware just to claim the prize).

          • @KillTheMule
            2•10 months ago

            I’m sure everyone’s thought about it already but hasn’t done enough so far.

            Note though that the rust foundation has established a security initiative (see e.g. here), which does include the supply chain via crates.io.

            • TechNom (nobody)English
              1•10 months ago

              Thanks! I missed that one. They are awesome!

  • Mubelotix
    6•10 months ago

    This had to happen. Most build-scripts could run on wasm, and the others should have to be manually approved before being executed

  • @BB_C
    1•10 months ago

    Misuse/Overuse of the word “federated” is apparently all the rage in 2023.