Malicious Code Vulnerability in falador Package: Exfiltration of User Data
Summary
MAL-2026-1350: Malicious code in falador (PyPI). Affects falador versions 99.0.1. 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
The falador package, available on PyPI, is designed for various functionalities within Python applications. However, it has been identified as having a significant security vulnerability that allows it to exfiltrate sensitive user information during installation or import. This vulnerability poses a risk to users who may unknowingly install this package, as it can lead to unauthorized data access.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious code embedded within the falador package, which is designed to exfiltrate basic user information such as IP addresses and usernames. This code is triggered during the installation or import process, indicating a dependency confusion attempt. The package masquerades as a legitimate tool for users involved in bug bounty programs, specifically targeting HackerOne users. The risk associated with this vulnerability is categorized as limited, but it still poses a threat to user privacy and data security.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
pip uninstall falador
If 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
As a temporary workaround, users can avoid using the falador package until a secure version is released. Additionally, consider using alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The falador package has been identified as having a malicious code vulnerability that can exfiltrate sensitive user information. Users are advised to update or uninstall the package 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 falador →
FAQ
The falador package is a Python library available on PyPI, designed for various functionalities within Python applications.
The falador package is capable of exfiltrating basic user information such as IP addresses and usernames.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
If you have installed the falador package, it is recommended to uninstall it immediately and monitor for any suspicious activity on your system.
Currently, there is no specific patch mentioned for the falador package. Users are advised to update to the latest version or consider alternative packages.