Malicious Code Detected in connections-api-hidden-runner: Remote Executable Download Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-192658: Malicious code in connections-api-hidden-runner (PyPI). Affects connections-api-hidden-runner versions 0.1.2 – 0.1.3. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The 'connections-api-hidden-runner' package, available on PyPI, is designed to facilitate connections in various applications. However, it has been found to contain malicious code that downloads and executes a remote executable, posing significant security risks to users and their systems.
Vulnerability Detail
This vulnerability originates from a malicious campaign identified as '2025-12-foxloveyou', where the package imports a module that initiates the download and execution of a remote executable identified as malware. The implications of this vulnerability include unauthorized access to user data, potential system compromise, and the installation of additional malicious software. The specific malicious behavior is triggered upon importing the package, making it critical for users to be aware of its risks.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
pip uninstall connections-api-hidden-runnerIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, avoid importing the 'connections-api-hidden-runner' package in your applications until you have updated to a secure version. If you have already imported it, remove it from your project dependencies and ensure that no malicious code is executed.
Conclusion
The 'connections-api-hidden-runner' package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses significant security risks. Users are urged to update to the latest version immediately and to monitor their applications for any signs of compromise. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying vulnerabilities in your software.
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FAQ
It is a Python package available on PyPI that is intended to facilitate connections in applications but has been compromised with malicious code.
The vulnerability manifests when the package is imported, leading to the automatic download and execution of a remote executable.
The risks include unauthorized access to sensitive data, potential system compromise, and the installation of additional malware.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If an immediate update is not possible, refrain from using the package and remove it from your project dependencies to mitigate risks.
