Config Files That Run Code: Supply Chain Security Blindspot
safedep.io
June 8, 2026
10 min read
45/100
Summary
Config files in repositories can execute code automatically when opened by development tools, potentially allowing attackers to run malicious code without the developer's awareness. Tools such as VS Code, Cursor, Claude Code, Gemini CLI, npm, Composer, and Bundler can read and act on these config files.
Key Takeaways
- Config files in repositories can execute code automatically, posing a significant supply chain security risk before developers even review the code.
- The Miasma worm demonstrates how attackers exploit config files to launch malicious payloads, affecting over 121 repositories.
- Popular tools like VS Code, Cursor, and npm support config files that can carry shell commands, which are often executed without thorough review by developers.
- Attackers use obfuscation techniques in malicious code, making it difficult to detect while relying on developers' trust in their tools.
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