Python's package ecosystem has long faced security challenges, with malicious packages and supply chain attacks becoming increasingly common. A new tool called pipask has emerged to address these concerns, prompting discussions about security approaches in the Python ecosystem.
Pipask functions as a drop-in replacement for pip, Python's standard package installer, with added security checks that run before installation. Unlike pip, which often needs to download and execute code from source distributions to retrieve dependency metadata, pipask attempts to rely on PyPI metadata whenever possible and asks for user consent before executing third-party code.
Security Features That Set Pipask Apart
Pipask performs several security checks before allowing installation, including repository popularity verification, package age assessment, vulnerability scanning, download statistics analysis, and metadata verification. For explicitly requested packages, all checks are executed, while transitive dependencies undergo vulnerability checks only. The tool presents this information in a formatted report, allowing users to make informed decisions before proceeding with installation.
Community members have shown particular interest in the vulnerability reporting feature. One commenter suggested improvements to the vulnerability information display, recommending that pipask link directly to the Python Packaging Advisory Database rather than just CVE references, as these provide clearer information about which versions fixed specific vulnerabilities.
Integration with Existing Workflows
A key discussion point centers around how pipask fits into existing Python package management workflows, particularly in non-interactive environments like CI/CD pipelines or Docker builds. The creator acknowledged this limitation, suggesting that lockfiles should ideally be used in such scenarios, with manual dependency installation (and security checks) performed during lockfile creation.
Ideally, you should use lockfiles for your CI/CD or docker. To create or update the lockfile, a developer needs to install dependencies manually first, at which point the checks would be executed and the user would consent.
Some users pointed out that pipask might be particularly valuable when integrated with AI coding tools that might otherwise install packages without scrutiny. As one commenter noted, this could help prevent issues with AI tools installing hallucinated or potentially malicious packages.
 |
|---|
| Pipask's command line interface in action, showcasing how developers might interact with the tool during package installations |
Community Reception and Alternative Approaches
The reception has been mixed, with some users questioning whether pipask addresses the right problem. Several commenters suggested that the core issue lies in the Python package ecosystem itself rather than in pip. Some argued that users concerned enough about security to install a tool like pipask might already be using more comprehensive package managers like uv or poetry.
The creator has shown openness to feedback, mentioning the possibility of implementing pipask's functionality as a plugin for tools like uv or poetry if there's sufficient demand. This adaptability reflects an understanding that different users have different package management preferences and security needs.
One commenter mentioned a similar tool called packj that uses static and dynamic code analysis to scan for indicators of compromise, such as shell spawning, SSH key usage, or suspicious network communication, highlighting the growing ecosystem of security tools for Python package management.
As Python continues to grow in popularity, especially in data science and AI applications where dependencies can be complex, tools like pipask represent important steps toward addressing the ecosystem's security challenges. Whether as a standalone tool or integrated into other package managers, the security checks pipask performs could help developers make more informed decisions about the code they introduce into their projects.
Reference: pipask: Know What You're Installing Before It's Too Late