@grackle-ai/powerline Runs Without Authentication by Default
Key facts
- Attack vector
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- Privileges required
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- User interaction
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- Attack complexity
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- Impact type
- Security bypass
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
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- Fix status
- Fixed
No CVSS vector from any source. Fix status from GitHub. Impact type from CWE-306.
Summary
### Impact When `--token` is not provided and `GRACKLE_POWERLINE_TOKEN` is not set, the PowerLine gRPC server runs with **zero authentication**. A warning is logged (`"NO AUTH (development only)"`) but nothing prevents deployment in this state. Any client that can reach the PowerLine port can spawn agent sessions, access credential tokens, and execute code. The default binding is `127.0.0.1` (loopback only), which limits exposure to the local machine. However, if PowerLine is accidentally exposed on a network (e.g., in a container or via port forwarding), the impact is critical. **Affected code:** - `packages/powerline/src/index.ts:46` — token defaults to empty string - `packages/powerline/src/index.ts:63-76` — auth interceptor is only added when token is truthy ### Patches 0.70.1 **Fix:** Require an explicit `--no-auth` flag to run without authentication, rather than defaulting to no auth when the token is empty. Throw an error if starting without a token and without `--no-auth`. ### Workarounds Always provide `--token` or set `GRACKLE_POWERLINE_TOKEN` when starting PowerLine. The Grackle server does this automatically when managing PowerLine lifecycle. ### Resources - CWE-306: Missing Authentication for Critical Function - File: `packages/powerline/src/index.ts`
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
Not available: CISA has not published SSVC decision points for this record.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | @grackle-ai/powerline (npm) | before 0.70.1 | 0.70.1 | Patch available | GHSA-xq7h-vwjp-5vrh |
- @grackle-ai/powerline (npm) Vendor— Affected before 0.70.1 Fixed in 0.70.1 Patch available GHSA-xq7h-vwjp-5vrh
Remediation
- Fix · GHSA-xq7h-vwjp-5vrh @grackle-ai/powerline (npm) Fixed in 0.70.1 Advisory →
Timeline
- 2026-10-03 Threatist record created from GHSA-xq7h-vwjp-5vrh
References
Sources
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences