A few hours ago, The Python Package Index (PyPi) suspended new project creation and new user registration to mitigate an ongoing malware upload campaign.

The research team of Checkmarx simultaneously investigated a campaign of multiple malicious packages appear to be related to the same threat actors.

The threat actors target victims with Typosquatting attack technique using their CLI to install Python packages. 

This is a multi-stage attack and the malicious payload aimed to steal crypto wallets, sensitive data from browsers (cookies, extensions data, etc..) and various credentials.

In addition, the malicious payload employed a persistence mechanism to survive reboots.

PyPi Suspended User and Project Creation

A few hours ago, on Mar 28, 2024 - 02:16 UTC, The Python Package Index (PyPi) added a new website banner and released an official update: “We have temporarily suspended new project creation and new user registration to mitigate an ongoing malware upload campaign”

Evidence of Multiple Malicious Typosquatting Packages

Between March 27 and March 28, 2024, multiple malicious Python packages were uploaded on the Python Package Index (PyPI). These packages most likely created using automation 

The Malicious Payload

The malicious code is located within each package’s setup.py file, enabling automatic execution upon installation.

employed a technique where the setup.py file contained obfuscated code that was encrypted using the Fernet encryption module. When the package was installed, the obfuscated code was automatically executed, triggering the malicious payload.

Upon execution, the malicious code within the setup.py file attempted to retrieve an additional payload from a remote server. The URL for the payload was dynamically constructed by appending the package name as a query parameter. 

The retrieved payload was also encrypted using the Fernet module, Once decrypted, the payload revealed an extensive info-stealer designed to harvest sensitive information from the victim's machine.

The malicious payload also employed a persistence mechanism to ensure it remained active on the compromised system even after the initial execution.

A small piece of the larger script

Summary

The discovery of these malicious Python packages on PyPI highlights the ongoing nature of cybersecurity threats within the software development ecosystem.

This incident is not an isolated case, and similar attacks targeting package repositories and software supply chains are likely to continue.

As this situation unfolds, we will provide updates on any new developments.

Working together to keep the open source ecosystem safe.

Package List

IOCs

• hxxps://funcaptcha[.]ru/paste2
• hxxps://funcaptcha].[ru/delivery
• hxxps://funcaptcha.ru/atomic/app.asar
• ABE19B0964DAF24CD82C6DB59212FD7A61C4C8335DD4A32B8E55C7C05C17220D      

0C1DDD33E630F4AC684880F0E673DFA84919272494C11DA0F1EC05FB4F919CE8

Checkmarx Security Research Team

The Checkmarx Security Research Team continuously investigates potentially vulnerable websites, applications, APIs, devices, open source packages, and other software-driven technologies. The team is dedicated to examining, discovering, replicating, classifying, and responsibly disclosing vulnerabilities in software as part of their ongoing efforts to drive the necessary changes in the software security practices among organizations worldwide. The team often provides examples of what common pitfalls to look out for, how to lessen common coding errors, and what to avoid when developing software. Their highly respected research, secure coding guides, blogs, and reports are largely noted as some of the best in the industry.

See All Blogs >

Checkmarx Security Research Team

The Checkmarx Security Research Team continuously investigates potentially vulnerable websites, applications, APIs, devices, open source packages, and other software-driven technologies. The team is dedicated to examining, discovering, replicating, classifying, and responsibly disclosing vulnerabilities in software as part of their ongoing efforts to drive the necessary changes in the software security practices among organizations worldwide. The team often provides examples of what common pitfalls to look out for, how to lessen common coding errors, and what to avoid when developing software. Their highly respected research, secure coding guides, blogs, and reports are largely noted as some of the best in the industry.

See All Blogs >

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