skillctl: Path traversal and symlink-follow in skillctl allow arbitrary file disclosure and deletion
## Impact `skillctl` 0.1.0 and 0.1.1 contained four path-safety vulnerabilities that, in combination, allowed an attacker to: 1. **Exfiltrate arbitrary files on the operator's machine** by publishing a malicious skills library containing a symlink inside a skill folder (e.g. `niania → /home/user/.aws/credentials`). The symlink fell through `entry.f...
CVSS 7.5 LOW. SENTINEL APEX recommends immediate patch evaluation. Intelligence from 1 confirmed source(s).
📋 Executive Summary
CYBERDUDEBIVASH SENTINEL APEX has confirmed a LOW-tier threat intelligence signal for GHSA-e9ccb1c147eaf59c affecting rust skillctl. Composite threat score: 43/100. Intelligence corroborated across 1 source(s): github_advisories. CVSS base score: 7.5. Exploitation probability assessed as HIGH based on vulnerability characteristics.
⚠️ Business Impact Analysis
- ⚠️ Remote code execution — full server takeover without authentication possible
- ⚠️ Data exfiltration risk — customer and sensitive data at risk
🔗 Attack Chain Analysis
Step-by-step attack chain based on observed TTPs and vulnerability characteristics:
| # | Phase | Attacker Action | MITRE |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Reconnaissance | Attacker identifies exposed skillctl instances via Shodan, Censys, or targeted scanning | TA0043 |
2 |
Initial Access | Exploitation of GHSA-e9ccb1c147eaf59c in rust skillctl | T1190 |
3 |
Execution | Remote code execution achieved — attacker runs arbitrary commands on target system | T1203 |
4 |
Persistence | Backdoor, scheduled task, or new admin account created for persistent access | T1053 |
5 |
Command & Control | Attacker establishes persistent C2 channel using HTTPS or DNS tunneling | T1071 |
6 |
Impact / Objectives | Intellectual property theft, espionage, cryptomining, or preparation for future attack stage | T1657 |
⚠ Deep Dive Analysis
This high-severity vulnerability in rust skillctl (CVSS 7.5) represents a significant attack surface. SENTINEL APEX assesses exploitation to be technically feasible with moderate effort. Organizations running skillctl in internet-facing or privileged positions face immediate risk.
SENTINEL APEX URGENCY: ELEVATED. Score: 43/100 LOW. Patch before exploitation activity begins.
🎯 MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
| Category | Mapping |
|---|---|
| Primary Tactic | ML Attack Staging |
| Primary Technique | AML.T0040 — ML Attack Staging |
| Sub-Technique | AML.T0000 — AI/ML System Enumeration |
| Weakness (CWE) | CWE-22 |
| Intel Type | 🔴 CVE ANALYSIS |
| Source(s) | github_advisories |
🔍 Detection Rules — Sigma (SIEM)
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📡 Detection Rules — YARA (Endpoint)
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🛡️ SOC Response Playbook
- 1IMMEDIATE (0-1hr): Identify all instances of skillctl in your environment via CMDB/asset inventory
- 2IMMEDIATE (0-1hr): Apply vendor patch — no maintenance window exception for LOW threats
- 3IMMEDIATE (1-2hr): If no patch available: implement WAF rules, ACLs, or network-level compensating controls
- 4SHORT-TERM (2-4hr): Deploy Sigma detection rule to SIEM — validate alert generation in test environment
- 5SHORT-TERM (4-8hr): Review logs for exploitation indicators (anomalous skillctl requests, error spikes)
- 6SHORT-TERM (8-24hr): Hunt for post-exploitation: new admin accounts, scheduled tasks, lateral movement
- 7MONITOR: Subscribe to rust security advisories for patch updates
- 8ONGOING: Track SENTINEL APEX intelligence feed for follow-on campaigns targeting skillctl
📎 Intelligence References
- github.com/advisories/GHSA-wx3m-whqv-xv47
- github.com/umanio-agency/skillctl/security/advisories/GHSA-wx3m-whqv-x
- github.com/umanio-agency/skillctl/commit/827fff5c0698dd9e48e777d5907cf
- github.com/umanio-agency/skillctl/releases/tag/v0.1.2
- github.com/advisories/GHSA-wx3m-whqv-xv47
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Report ID: SENTINEL-GHSA-e9ccb1c147eaf59c-2026-06-05 | Priority: 43/100 LOW | Sources: 1
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