Ransomware Threat in synapseml-utils: A Malicious Code Vulnerability
Summary
MAL-2026-1325: Malicious code in synapseml-utils (PyPI). Affects synapseml-utils versions 0.1.0 – 0.1.5. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
synapseml-utils is a Python package available on PyPI that is designed to provide utilities for working with SynapseML, a library for scalable machine learning. This package is intended to facilitate various data processing tasks. However, it has been compromised, leading to a significant security threat.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious code embedded in the synapseml-utils package. Upon installation, the package initiates a ransomware attack by encrypting the user's files and demanding a ransom for decryption. This poses severe risks to users, including data loss and financial extortion. The malicious code was traced back to a specific commit by the user 'kam193'.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
pip uninstall synapseml-utilsIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no effective workarounds to mitigate the impact of this vulnerability. Users are advised to refrain from installing the synapseml-utils package until further notice.
Conclusion
The synapseml-utils package has been compromised with malicious code that poses a ransomware threat to users. Immediate action is required to uninstall the package and prevent potential data loss. Users are encouraged to stay informed about updates and utilize tools like Vulert for vulnerability monitoring.
See every vulnerability recorded for synapseml-utils →
FAQ
The vulnerability involves malicious code that encrypts user files and demands a ransom for decryption.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
Uninstall the package immediately using 'pip uninstall synapseml-utils' and avoid using it until a secure version is released.
As of now, there are no patches available. Users should monitor the package for updates.
Vulert monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in software using Pipfile.lock. It provides real-time alerts without requiring code access.
