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attack-surface.md

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Attack Surface Analysis for flutter/packages

Attack Surface: Dependency-Related Attacks

  • Description: Exploiting vulnerabilities in the package dependency chain (direct and transitive dependencies).
  • How Packages Contribute: Flutter packages rely on other packages. A vulnerability in any dependency is exploitable.
  • Example: A package uses an outdated version of a networking library with a known Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability.
  • Impact: Remote Code Execution (RCE), data breaches, denial of service, application compromise.
  • Risk Severity: Critical to High (depending on the specific vulnerability).
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • Regular Updates: Consistently run flutter pub outdated and flutter pub upgrade.
    • Vulnerability Scanning: Use tools like Snyk, OWASP Dependency-Check, or Dependabot.
    • Dependency Pinning: Use precise versions in pubspec.yaml and review pubspec.lock.
    • Dependency Auditing: Regularly review the dependency tree (flutter pub deps).
    • Private Package Repository (for internal dependencies): Use a private repository with strict access controls.

Attack Surface: Supply Chain Compromise

  • Description: Malicious code injected into a package by compromising the maintainer's account or repository.
  • How Packages Contribute: All packages are susceptible. A compromised maintainer could push a malicious update.
  • Example: A popular package's maintainer account is hacked; a new version is released with a backdoor.
  • Impact: Remote Code Execution (RCE), data breaches, complete application compromise, loss of trust.
  • Risk Severity: Critical.
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • Monitor Package Repositories: Observe for unusual activity.
    • Code Review (for critical packages): Fork and review updates before integrating.
    • Security Scanning Tools: Analyze package code for suspicious patterns.
    • Delayed Updates (for non-critical packages): Allow time for community issue identification (trade-off).
    • Use signed packages (if available): Prioritize packages with cryptographic signatures.

Attack Surface: Native Code Vulnerabilities (Platform-Specific Packages)

  • Description: Vulnerabilities in the native (Java/Kotlin, Objective-C/Swift) code of platform-specific packages.
  • How Packages Contribute: Packages like camera, webview_flutter use native code for platform interaction.
  • Example: A vulnerability in camera's Android implementation allows bypassing permission checks.
  • Impact: Varies; privilege escalation, RCE within the native code context.
  • Risk Severity: High to Critical (depends on vulnerability and platform).
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • Keep Packages Updated: Native code vulnerabilities are often patched in updates.
    • Security Audits (for critical applications): Audit native code of critical packages.
    • Use Well-Vetted Packages: Prioritize packages with strong security and maintenance.
    • Monitor Security Advisories: Stay informed about platform and library advisories.

Attack Surface: WebView-Related Attacks

  • Description: Exploiting vulnerabilities in webview_flutter or loaded web content.
  • How Packages Contribute: webview_flutter can have vulnerabilities and is a conduit for web content attacks.
  • Example: XSS in a website loaded in a webview steals data or interacts with the native app via a JavaScript bridge.
  • Impact: XSS, data theft, privilege escalation (with JavaScript bridge), phishing.
  • Risk Severity: High to Critical.
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • Load Only Trusted Content: Avoid untrusted or user-generated content.
    • Content Security Policy (CSP): Implement a strict CSP in web content.
    • Secure JavaScript Bridge: Validate and sanitize data; minimize bridge functionality.
    • HTTPS Only: Ensure webview loads only HTTPS content.
    • Input Validation: Sanitize user input displayed in the webview.
    • Consider Alternatives: If possible, avoid webviews; use native implementation.