Malicious Code Injection in ctf-toolkit: A Security Threat
Summary
MAL-2026-1085: Malicious code in ctf-toolkit (PyPI). Affects ctf-toolkit versions 0.1.0. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
ctf-toolkit is a Python package available on PyPI that is designed to facilitate low-level request modifications using a modified curl library. However, it has been identified to contain malicious code that can compromise user systems. The package's recent emergence and lack of transparency raise significant concerns regarding its integrity and security.
Vulnerability Detail
The ctf-toolkit package installs a .pth file in the site-packages directory, which executes code on every Python usage. This code initiates a 'TLS context warm-up' by contacting a hardcoded URL, masquerading as a VPN client. The package also exfiltrates basic system data, such as IP addresses and usernames, posing a risk to user privacy and security. The absence of source code for the modified library further exacerbates the issue, indicating potential malicious intent.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
pip uninstall ctf-toolkitIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds to mitigate the effects of this vulnerability other than uninstalling the package. Users should ensure that they do not have any dependencies relying on ctf-toolkit.
Conclusion
The ctf-toolkit package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that can exfiltrate user data. Users are strongly advised to uninstall the package immediately and monitor their systems for any unusual activity. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying vulnerabilities in open-source software.
See every vulnerability recorded for ctf-toolkit →
FAQ
ctf-toolkit is a Python package designed for low-level request modifications using a modified curl library.
The package installs a .pth file that executes code to contact a hardcoded URL, potentially exfiltrating user data.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
No, there is currently no patched version available. The recommended action is to uninstall the package.
You should review your dependencies and consider alternatives, as there are no workarounds available for this vulnerability.
