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Mitigation Strategies Analysis for skwp/dotfiles

Mitigation Strategy: Secure Secrets Management (Dotfiles-Specific)

1. Mitigation Strategy: Secure Secrets Management (Dotfiles-Specific)

  • Description:

    1. Identify Secrets within Dotfiles: Thoroughly examine all files within the skwp/dotfiles repository and any personal customizations. List any strings that are API keys, passwords, or other sensitive data.
    2. Choose a Retrieval Method: Select how secrets will be accessed by the dotfiles. This is not about storage, but about how the scripts and configurations will get the values. Options, in order of increasing security and complexity:
      • Environment Variables (Least Secure, but Dotfiles-Compatible): Set environment variables outside the dotfiles (e.g., in a separate .secrets file that is not committed, or using a system-level mechanism). Then, reference these variables within the dotfiles. Example: export MY_API_KEY=$MY_API_KEY_VALUE (where MY_API_KEY_VALUE is set elsewhere).
      • pass Integration (More Secure): Use the pass command-line password manager. Store secrets using pass, and then retrieve them within the dotfiles using pass show secret-name. Example: export GITHUB_TOKEN=$(pass show github/api-key).
      • Secrets Manager CLI Integration (Most Secure): Use the command-line interface (CLI) of a dedicated secrets manager (like AWS Secrets Manager, Azure Key Vault, etc.). Retrieve secrets using the appropriate CLI commands. Example (AWS): export AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=$(aws secretsmanager get-secret-value ...)
    3. Modify Dotfiles to Use Retrieval Method: Replace all hardcoded secrets within the dotfiles with the chosen retrieval method. Ensure that every place a secret was previously used now uses the appropriate command or variable reference.
    4. Test Retrieval within Dotfiles Context: After modifying the dotfiles, source them (e.g., source ~/.zshrc) and verify that the environment variables or commands correctly retrieve the secrets. Use echo $VARIABLE_NAME or similar commands to check.
    5. Remove Hardcoded Secrets: Once retrieval is confirmed, completely remove all hardcoded secrets from the dotfiles. Use git filter-branch or BFG Repo-Cleaner to remove them from the Git history as well.
    6. .gitignore for Secret Files: Add entries to the .gitignore file at the root of the dotfiles repository to prevent accidental commits of files that might contain secrets (e.g., *.key, *.pem, secrets.txt, credentials.json, .env).

  • Threats Mitigated:

    • Exposure of Sensitive Information (within Dotfiles): (Severity: Critical) Prevents secrets from being exposed if the dotfiles repository is made public or compromised.
    • Credential Theft (from Dotfiles): (Severity: Critical) Makes it impossible to steal credentials directly from the dotfiles.

  • Impact:

    • Exposure of Sensitive Information: Risk reduced from Critical to Low (assuming the chosen retrieval method is secure).
    • Credential Theft: Risk reduced from Critical to Low (secrets are no longer present in the dotfiles).

  • Currently Implemented:

    • Partially. skwp/dotfiles uses environment variables in some places, suggesting an awareness of the issue, but it's not consistent or comprehensive.

  • Missing Implementation:

    • Consistent use of a single, well-defined secrets retrieval method across all dotfiles.
    • Clear examples and guidance on integrating with pass or secrets manager CLIs.
    • Automated checks to prevent committing secrets (e.g., pre-commit hooks).

Mitigation Strategy: Code Review and Pull Requests (for Dotfiles Management)

2. Mitigation Strategy: Code Review and Pull Requests (for Dotfiles Management)

  • Description:

    1. Fork the Repository: Create a personal fork of the skwp/dotfiles repository on GitHub (or your chosen Git hosting service).
    2. Branching for Changes: Always create a new branch from your main (or master) branch for any modification to your dotfiles. Use descriptive branch names (e.g., add-vim-plugin, fix-zsh-alias).
    3. Make Changes on the Branch: Modify the dotfiles only on the feature branch.
    4. Commit and Push: Commit your changes to the feature branch and push it to your forked repository.
    5. Create a Pull Request: Create a pull request from your feature branch to your main branch.
    6. Review the Diff: Carefully review the changes in the pull request's diff view. Examine all added, modified, and deleted lines, paying particular attention to shell scripts and configuration files.
    7. Merge (or Request Changes): If the review is satisfactory, merge the pull request. If issues are found, make further changes on the branch and update the pull request.
    8. Apply Changes Locally: After merging, pull the changes from your main branch to your local system and apply them (e.g., by sourcing the relevant files or restarting your shell).

  • Threats Mitigated:

    • Malicious Code Injection (into Dotfiles): (Severity: High) Reduces the risk of unknowingly applying malicious code from the upstream repository or from your own mistakes.
    • Accidental Errors (in Dotfiles): (Severity: Medium) The review process helps catch errors and misconfigurations before they are applied.

  • Impact:

    • Malicious Code Injection: Risk reduced from High to Medium (requires diligent review).
    • Accidental Errors: Risk reduced from Medium to Low.

  • Currently Implemented:

    • Not implemented by default for individual users. The skwp/dotfiles repository itself uses pull requests, but this is not enforced for users' personal forks.

  • Missing Implementation:

    • No guidance or encouragement for users to adopt this workflow.

Mitigation Strategy: Avoid curl | sh and Pin Dependencies (within Dotfiles)

3. Mitigation Strategy: Avoid curl | sh and Pin Dependencies (within Dotfiles)

  • Description:

    1. Identify curl | sh: Search all files within your dotfiles for instances of curl | sh or wget -O - ... | sh.
    2. Manual Download and Inspection: Replace these patterns with a two-step process:
      • Download the script: curl https://example.com/install.sh -o install.sh
      • Inspect the script: Open install.sh in a text editor and carefully review its contents.
      • Execute locally: sh install.sh (only after inspection).
    3. Pin Package Manager Dependencies: Within your dotfiles, where package managers are used (e.g., in installation scripts), specify exact versions. Instead of brew install node, use brew install node@16. This applies to apt, yum, brew, npm, etc.
    4. Vendor Small Dependencies (Optional): If a script or tool is small, self-contained, and its license allows, consider including it directly within your dotfiles repository. This eliminates the need for external downloads.

  • Threats Mitigated:

    • Malicious Code Injection (via External Scripts): (Severity: High) Prevents direct execution of potentially malicious code downloaded from the internet.
    • Supply Chain Attacks (via Package Managers): (Severity: High) Pinning versions reduces the risk of installing compromised packages.

  • Impact:

    • Malicious Code Injection: Risk reduced from High to Low (requires manual inspection).
    • Supply Chain Attacks: Risk reduced from High to Medium (pinning helps, but doesn't eliminate all risks).

  • Currently Implemented:

    • Partially. skwp/dotfiles uses curl | sh in some places, which is a major concern. Package manager usage is present, but version pinning is inconsistent.

  • Missing Implementation:

    • Widespread use of curl | sh without alternatives.
    • Inconsistent version pinning.
    • No vendoring of dependencies.