Windsurf security

Windsurf Generated Code Using eval() or Function Constructor

Windsurf's Cascade assistant generated JavaScript or TypeScript code that uses eval(), new Function(), or setTimeout/setInterval with string arguments to dynamically execute code. These patterns create severe code injection vulnerabilities that allow attackers to run arbitrary code in your application.

This typically happens when Cascade generates code to parse user input, build dynamic queries, process configuration files, or create flexible template systems. The generated code works correctly but introduces a critical attack surface.

You might discover this during a security audit, when a linter flags eval usage, or when a code review catches the pattern. If deployed to production, any user-controlled input reaching these eval calls could be exploited.

Error Messages You Might See

EvalError: Refused to evaluate a string as JavaScript Content Security Policy directive: script-src 'self' does not allow 'unsafe-eval' ESLint: eval can be harmful (no-eval) TypeError: eval is not a function in strict mode
EvalError: Refused to evaluate a string as JavaScriptContent Security Policy directive: script-src 'self' does not allow 'unsafe-eval'ESLint: eval can be harmful (no-eval)TypeError: eval is not a function in strict mode

Common Causes

  • Dynamic JSON parsing with eval — Cascade used eval() to parse JSON instead of JSON.parse(), often when handling API responses with complex structures
  • String-based computed properties — Generated code uses eval to dynamically access nested object properties instead of bracket notation or lodash.get
  • Template string execution — Cascade built a template engine using new Function() to interpolate variables into strings
  • Dynamic import construction — Code constructs module import paths using eval rather than dynamic import() expressions
  • Math expression evaluation — A calculator or formula feature uses eval() to compute user-entered expressions

How to Fix It

  1. Search your codebase for eval patterns — Run grep -rn 'eval\|new Function\|setTimeout.*"\|setInterval.*"' src/ to find all instances
  2. Replace eval(JSON) with JSON.parse() — Every eval() call parsing JSON can be safely replaced with JSON.parse() wrapped in try-catch
  3. Use bracket notation for dynamic properties — Replace eval('obj.' + path) with a safe property accessor function that splits the path and walks the object
  4. Install a math expression parser — Replace eval() for math with a safe library like mathjs or expr-eval that only allows mathematical operations
  5. Add ESLint no-eval rule — Add 'no-eval': 'error' and 'no-new-func': 'error' to your ESLint config to prevent future occurrences
  6. Implement Content-Security-Policy — Add a CSP header with script-src that excludes 'unsafe-eval' to block eval at the browser level

Real developers can help you.

PawelPloszaj PawelPloszaj I'm fronted developer with 10+ years of experience with big projects. I have small backend background too Mehdi Ben Haddou Mehdi Ben Haddou - Founder of Chessigma (1M+ users) & many small projects - ex Founding Engineer @Uplane (YC F25) - ex Software Engineer @Amazon and @Booking.com Caio Rodrigues Caio Rodrigues I'm a full-stack developer focused on building practical and scalable web applications. My main experience is with **React, TypeScript, and modern frontend architectures**, where I prioritize clean code, component reusability, and maintainable project structures. I have strong experience working with **dynamic forms, state management (Redux / React Hook Form), and complex data-driven interfaces**. I enjoy solving real-world problems by turning ideas into reliable software that companies can actually use in their daily operations. Beyond coding, I care about **software quality and architecture**, following best practices for componentization, code organization, and performance optimization. I'm also comfortable working across the stack when needed, integrating APIs, handling business logic, and helping transform prototypes into production-ready systems. My goal is always to deliver solutions that are **simple, efficient, and genuinely useful for the people using them.** Jen Jacobsen Jen Jacobsen I’m a Full-Stack Developer with over 10 years of experience building modern web and mobile applications. I enjoy working across the full product lifecycle — turning ideas into real, well-built products that are intuitive for users and scalable for businesses. I particularly enjoy building mobile apps, modern web platforms, and solving complex technical problems in a way that keeps systems clean, reliable, and easy to maintain. AUXLE AUXLE I am a Full Stack Developer experienced in building Websites, Web apps and Cross Platform Mobile Apps for Startups and Companies. Vlad Temian Vlad Temian 15+ years shipping production infrastructure for startups. Former CTO at qed.builders (acquired by The Sandbox). Cursor ambassador and agentic tooling builder. I've scaled systems, automated deployments, and built observability tools for AI coding workflows. I specialize in taking vibe-coded apps from broken prototype to production-ready: fixing Supabase auth/RLS, Stripe integrations, deployment pipelines, and cleaning up AI-generated spaghetti. I build tools in this space (agentprobe, claudebin, micode) and understand both sides: how AI generates code and why it breaks. https://blog.vtemian.com/ Stanislav Prigodich Stanislav Prigodich 15+ years building iOS and web apps at startups and enterprise companies. I want to use that experience to help builders ship real products - when something breaks, I'm here to fix it. Jared Hasson Jared Hasson Full time lead founding dev at a cyber security saas startup, with 10 yoe and a bachelor's in CS. Building & debugging software products is what I've spent my time on for forever Pratik Pratik SWE with 15+ years of experience building and maintaining web apps and extensive BE infrastructure Krishna Sai Kuncha Krishna Sai Kuncha Experienced Professional Full stack Developer with 8+ years of experience across react, python, js, ts, golang and react-native. Developed inhouse websearch tooling for AI before websearch was solved : )

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is eval() dangerous even if it works correctly?

eval() executes any string as code. If an attacker can influence the string (through URL parameters, form inputs, database values), they can run arbitrary JavaScript — stealing cookies, accessing APIs, or modifying your page.

Is JSON.parse() always a safe replacement for eval()?

For parsing JSON data, yes. JSON.parse() only parses valid JSON and cannot execute code. Wrap it in try-catch to handle malformed input gracefully.

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