Malicious Code Vulnerability in qwery-core Package
Summary
MAL-2026-1226: Malicious code in qwery-core (PyPI). Affects qwery-core versions 1.0.0 – 1.0.7. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
qwery-core is a package available on PyPI that is designed to provide utility functions for querying and manipulating data structures. However, it has been compromised, leading to the introduction of malicious code that can download and execute harmful scripts. This vulnerability poses significant risks to users who may unknowingly install the compromised package.
Vulnerability Detail
The qwery-core package contains obfuscated code that acts as a downloader for encrypted malicious scripts. This code is compiled into a native binary, requiring a remote URL to execute the malicious payload. The vulnerability originated from a malicious actor impersonating a legitimate npm library, which raises concerns about the integrity of packages in the ecosystem. Users who install this package may inadvertently expose their systems to infostealers and other malicious activities.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
pip uninstall qwery-coreIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, users can avoid using the qwery-core package altogether until a secure version is available. Additionally, consider using alternative libraries that provide similar functionality without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The qwery-core package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses significant risks to users. It is essential to take immediate action by uninstalling the affected versions and monitoring for updates. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in real-time monitoring for vulnerabilities in open-source software.
See every vulnerability recorded for qwery-core →
FAQ
Versions 1.0.0 to 1.0.7 of qwery-core are affected by this vulnerability.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
If you have installed qwery-core, it is recommended to uninstall it immediately and monitor for any updates regarding a secure version.
Using the compromised package may lead to the execution of malicious scripts, potentially resulting in data theft, system compromise, or other harmful actions.
More information can be found in the official GitHub repository for malicious packages or by following updates from security analysts.
