Malicious Code Injection in btcli-security Package: A Critical Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2026-162: Malicious code in btcli-security (PyPI). Affects btcli-security versions 1.1.0 – 1.1.2. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The btcli-security package is a Python library designed to interact with the Bittensor network, providing functionalities for secure communication and data handling. However, it has been compromised by malicious actors who cloned a legitimate library and embedded harmful code, posing significant security risks to users.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious version of the btcli-security package, which contains hidden code that downloads and executes a harmful script. This script retrieves a malicious executable tailored to the system architecture and ensures persistence by creating automatically starting service entries. The malicious code is identified as a Go-based infostealer and backdoor, linked to North Korean cybercrime activities. Furthermore, the library is altered to store sensitive keys in plaintext, making them vulnerable to extraction.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
pip uninstall btcli-securityIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can avoid using the btcli-security package until a secure version is confirmed. Additionally, consider using alternative libraries that provide similar functionalities without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The btcli-security package has been compromised with malicious code that poses significant security threats to users. It is crucial to update to the latest version and monitor for any signs of compromise. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying vulnerabilities in your applications.
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FAQ
btcli-security is a Python library designed for secure interactions with the Bittensor network.
The package was cloned from a legitimate library and embedded with malicious code that downloads harmful scripts.
The risks include unauthorized access to sensitive information, installation of backdoors, and potential system compromise.
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Immediately uninstall the btcli-security package and update to the latest secure version to mitigate risks.
