Registry Metadata Query

Registry Metadata Query is a reconnaissance subtechnique within Application Dependencies Mapping where attackers query public package repositories (such as npm, PyPI, Maven Central, or NuGet) to gather metadata about target applications' dependencies. By analyzing package manifests (like package.json, requirements.txt, pom.xml, or .csproj files), attackers can identify exact versions of dependencies, understand the application's technology stack, and discover potential vulnerable components without directly interacting with the target application. This information enables more targeted attacks, as attackers can cross-reference discovered dependency versions against known vulnerability databases (like CVE or security advisories) to identify exploitable weaknesses. Furthermore, repository metadata often reveals maintainer information, downloads statistics, and release histories, which can be leveraged for supply chain attacks or social engineering against project maintainers. This technique is particularly effective because it utilizes legitimate channels that don't trigger security alerts and provides valuable intelligence for subsequent exploitation phases.

Mitigations

ID	Mitigation	Description
M1037	Filter Network Traffic	Rate-limit and authenticate metadata endpoints (e.g., /v2/_catalog, npm/-/all) to deter bulk enumeration.
M1045	Code Signing	Require signed package indexes and enforce checksum verification to prevent malicious tampering with registry metadata.

Detection

Registry‐metadata queries are typically executed against public endpoints without authentication, leaving minimal traces within enterprise networks.

Defenders may gain retrospective visibility through:

• Registry analytics when using self-hosted or authenticated mirrors that log catalog listings.
• Threat-intel feeds that report bulk harvesting of package names or tags associated with the organisation.
• Subsequent targeting (malicious packages or CVE probes) informed by the metadata collected.