Malicious Code Detected in speed-testing-nt Package - Remote Control Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2025-191874: Malicious code in speed-testing-nt (PyPI). Affects speed-testing-nt versions 0.2. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The speed-testing-nt package, available on PyPI, is designed for conducting speed tests. It is intended for users who want to measure their internet speed. However, this package has been compromised, containing a Telegram bot that allows remote control of the user's computer, posing significant security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious code embedded within the speed-testing-nt package, specifically in version 0.2. This code enables the execution of a remote malicious script, effectively turning the user's machine into a remote access tool (RAT). The implications of this vulnerability are severe, as it can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and potential exploitation of the affected system.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
pip uninstall speed-testing-nt
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 should avoid using the speed-testing-nt package until a secure version is released. Additionally, consider using alternative packages for speed testing that have not been reported as malicious.
Conclusion
The speed-testing-nt package has been compromised, posing a serious security threat to users. It is crucial to uninstall the affected version and monitor for updates. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in identifying vulnerabilities in your applications without requiring extensive setup.
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FAQ
The speed-testing-nt package is a Python library designed for measuring internet speed.
The vulnerability was identified by security researchers who analyzed the package and found malicious code that allows remote control of the user's computer.
The risks include unauthorized access to the user's system, potential data theft, and the ability for attackers to execute arbitrary commands remotely.
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 speed-testing-nt package, you should uninstall it immediately and refrain from using it until a secure version is released.