CVE-2025-8217: Amazon Q's Self-Sabotage: The Backdoor That Couldn't Code

Source: Dev.to

TL;DR

The build process for Amazon Q Developer extension v1.84.0 was hijacked to download and inject malicious code. The attacker’s payload contained a syntax error, rendering the backdoor inert. It’s a textbook supply‑chain attack with a comical ending.

Technical Details

• Vulnerability ID: CVE-2025-8217
• CWE ID: CWE‑506
• CVSS Score: 5.1 (Medium) – CVSS v4.0
• Attack Vector: Local (Supply Chain)
• Impact: Inert (Failed Execution)
• Exploit Status: Failed Attempt
• KEV Status: Not Listed
• Published: 2025‑07‑30

Affected Systems

• Visual Studio Code
• Amazon Q Developer Extension

Amazon Q Developer VS Code Extension: 1.84.0 (fixed in 1.85.0)

Code Analysis

Commit: unknown

The malicious change was introduced during the packaging process rather than as a visible Git commit.

- async function preparePackager() { ... downloadFiles(...) ... }
+ // Function removed in 1.85.0

Exploit Details

The exploit was embedded in the distributed 1.84.0 VSIX file but failed to execute due to the syntax error.

Mitigation Strategies

• Implement strict integrity checks in build pipelines to prevent dynamic code fetching.
• Audit build scripts (e.g., package.ts, Makefiles) as rigorously as source code.
• Restrict network access during the build phase to block unauthorized downloads.

Remediation Steps

1. Upgrade Amazon Q Developer VS Code extension to version 1.85.0 or later.
2. Manually uninstall version 1.84.0 to remove any residual files.
3. Verify the installed extension version in VS Code via the Extensions view.

References

• AWS Security Bulletin AWS‑2025‑015
• GHSA‑7g7f‑ff96‑5gcw