Malicious Code Injection in rowrap Package - Adware Distribution
Summary
MAL-2026-1544: Malicious code in rowrap (PyPI). Affects rowrap versions 1.0.0 – 1.21. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The rowrap package, available on PyPI, is designed for specific functionalities within Python applications. However, it has been compromised to include malicious code that downloads and executes harmful scripts. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to users, as it can lead to the installation of adware and other malicious software on their systems.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious actor, identified as kam193, who has embedded code within the rowrap package that triggers the download and execution of a remote script containing malware. This script is activated by specific file types, such as PTH files, although the presence of these files is not always necessary for the exploit to occur. The malicious activity is part of a broader campaign aimed at distributing adware, which can compromise user privacy and system integrity.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
pip uninstall rowrap
If 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 can avoid using the rowrap package until a secure version is confirmed. Additionally, users should monitor their systems for any unusual activity and consider using security software to detect and remove potential adware.
Conclusion
The rowrap package has been compromised to include malicious code that can lead to adware installation. Users are advised to update to the latest version and monitor their systems for any unusual activity. Utilizing tools like Vulert can provide additional security by alerting users to potential vulnerabilities in their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for rowrap →
FAQ
rowrap is a Python package available on PyPI that serves specific functionalities in Python applications.
The vulnerability allows malicious code to be executed, which can lead to the installation of adware and compromise user privacy.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without needing to sign up.
If you have installed an affected version of rowrap, immediately update to the latest patched version using pip install --upgrade rowrap.
Regularly updating packages, using tools like Vulert for monitoring vulnerabilities, and reviewing package sources before installation can help mitigate risks.