Cryptocurrency Mining Malware in xmrig-miner Package
Summary
MAL-2026-1282: Malicious code in xmrig-miner (PyPI). Affects xmrig-miner versions 1.0.0. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The xmrig-miner package, available on PyPI, is designed for cryptocurrency mining. It allows users to leverage their computing power to mine various cryptocurrencies. However, this package has been compromised, embedding malicious code that initiates unauthorized cryptocurrency mining activities in the background, targeting a hardcoded wallet without user consent.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from a malicious code embedded in the xmrig-miner package, specifically in version 1.0.0. When the module is imported, it silently starts mining cryptocurrency for a hardcoded wallet, which poses significant risks including unauthorized resource usage, potential legal implications for users, and loss of system performance. This type of malware is categorized as a cryptominer, which is designed to exploit system resources for profit without the user's knowledge.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
pip uninstall xmrig-minerIf 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 monitor their system for unusual CPU usage and terminate any suspicious processes. Additionally, consider using a virtual environment to isolate dependencies and minimize the risk of malicious code execution.
Conclusion
The xmrig-miner package has been compromised with malicious code that initiates unauthorized cryptocurrency mining. Users must take immediate action to uninstall the package to protect their systems. Monitoring tools like Vulert can assist in identifying vulnerabilities in open-source software.
See every vulnerability recorded for xmrig-miner →
FAQ
xmrig-miner is a Python package designed for cryptocurrency mining, allowing users to utilize their computing resources for mining various cryptocurrencies.
The vulnerability allows the package to run malicious code that silently mines cryptocurrency, consuming system resources and potentially leading to performance degradation.
You should immediately uninstall the xmrig-miner package using pip uninstall xmrig-miner to prevent any unauthorized mining activities.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application against this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner without needing to sign up.
Currently, there is no patched version available. Users are advised to uninstall the affected version and monitor for updates from the package maintainers.
