> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/appsec-rules/ci-cd-security/dependency-chains/appsec-cicd-276.md).

# Potential dependency confusion in a GitLab repository due to package name or scope available in regi

## Rule Details

|                       |                   |
| --------------------- | ----------------- |
| Cortex AppSec Rule ID | APPSEC\_CICD\_276 |
| Category              | Dependency Chains |
| Severity              | HIGH              |

## Impact

Attackers can discover internal package names by scanning public repositories and artifacts. Then they can upload malicious packages with names identical to an organization's internal package names and scopes, hoping that improper package fetching configuration will cause internal clients to fetch the malicious package rather than the legitimate internal package with the same name. This is known as a Dependency Confusion attack.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/appsec-rules/ci-cd-security/dependency-chains/appsec-cicd-276.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.