Malicious Code Execution Vulnerability in simple-text-parser Package
Summary
MAL-2026-1287: Malicious code in simple-text-parser (PyPI). Affects simple-text-parser versions 0.24.2. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The simple-text-parser package, available on PyPI, is designed for parsing and manipulating simple text formats. It is often used in various Python applications for text processing tasks. However, this package has been identified as having a significant security vulnerability that allows for the execution of malicious code during installation, posing a risk to users who install it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package's setup.py file, which overrides the default install command to execute malicious code when the package is installed. This behavior can lead to unauthorized actions on the user's system, potentially compromising sensitive data or enabling further attacks. The malicious code is executed without the user's consent, making it a severe security concern.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
pip uninstall simple-text-parser
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, avoid installing the simple-text-parser package until a fixed version is confirmed. If you must use it, consider using a virtual environment to isolate the installation and mitigate potential risks.
Conclusion
The simple-text-parser package has a critical vulnerability that allows for the execution of malicious code during installation. Users are advised to update to the latest version immediately and use caution when installing packages from untrusted sources. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
It is a Python package used for parsing and manipulating simple text formats.
The package contains malicious code that executes during installation, compromising user systems.
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Uninstall the package immediately and update to the latest patched version using 'pip uninstall simple-text-parser' followed by 'pip install --upgrade simple-text-parser'.
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