Critical Malicious Code Vulnerability in http-request-toolkit Package
Summary
MAL-2026-912: Malicious code in http-request-toolkit (PyPI). Affects http-request-toolkit versions 2.28.3 – 2.28.5. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
http-request-toolkit is a Python package available on PyPI that is designed for making HTTP requests easier and more manageable. It provides a suite of tools for testing and debugging HTTP requests, making it popular among developers. However, it has recently been found to contain malicious code that poses significant security risks to users.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious version of the http-request-toolkit package, specifically versions 2.28.3, 2.28.4, and 2.28.5. Upon import, the package masquerades as a legitimate tool but executes an embedded executable that exhibits infostealer behavior. This executable is capable of detecting if it is running in a sandbox environment, potentially allowing it to evade detection. The implications of this vulnerability include unauthorized data access, keylogging, and the potential for further malware deployment.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
pip uninstall http-request-toolkitIf 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 should avoid using the affected versions of the http-request-toolkit package. Instead, consider using alternative packages for HTTP requests or implement manual HTTP request handling until a secure version is confirmed.
Conclusion
The http-request-toolkit package has been compromised with malicious code that can lead to significant security risks for users. It is crucial to update to a secure version and monitor for any further vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help maintain the security of your applications.
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FAQ
Versions 2.28.3, 2.28.4, and 2.28.5 of the http-request-toolkit package are known to contain malicious code.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If you have installed the affected versions, you should uninstall them immediately and update to a secure version using the command: pip install --upgrade http-request-toolkit.
The risks include unauthorized access to sensitive data, potential data theft through infostealer capabilities, and the possibility of further malware being deployed on your system.
To prevent similar vulnerabilities, regularly monitor your dependencies for updates and vulnerabilities, and consider using tools like Vulert to receive real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.
