Malicious code in libstringpy (PyPI)

libstringpy Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

25/02/2023
CRITICAL
No i
Critical
Not published

MAL-2023-4515: Malicious code in libstringpy (PyPI). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

libstringpy is a Python package available on PyPI that provides string manipulation functions. It is commonly used in Python projects for tasks such as text processing and data cleaning. However, the package has been found to contain malicious code, which poses a significant security risk to applications that depend on it.

Vulnerability Detail

The libstringpy package has been compromised by the EsqueleSquad group, who published nearly 6000 malicious PyPi and NPM packages. These packages execute spyware and information-stealing malware. The specific vulnerability in libstringpy allows the execution of arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, and other malicious activities.

How To Fix

This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.

pip uninstall libstringpy

If 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

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to take immediate action by removing the affected package and following the recommended steps to fix the issue.

Conclusion

The libstringpy package has been compromised by malicious code, posing a significant security risk to applications that depend on it. To protect your project and mitigate the vulnerability, it is recommended to remove the affected package and replace it with a trusted alternative. Regularly updating dependencies and following best practices for dependency management are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can reach out to DevNack.com.

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FAQ

You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Simply provide your Pipfile.lock file, and Vulert will analyze it for any open-source vulnerabilities, including this specific issue.

The consequences of this vulnerability can be severe. Attackers can exploit the arbitrary code execution to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, compromise the integrity of the system, or even launch further attacks on other parts of the infrastructure.

No, there is no fix available for libstringpy itself. The package has been compromised, and it is recommended to remove it from your project entirely.

Yes, there are several alternative packages available on PyPI that provide similar string manipulation functionality. Some popular options include string_utils, strman, and stringcase. It is recommended to choose a package with an active community and regular updates to ensure security and reliability.

To prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future, it is crucial to follow best practices for dependency management. Regularly update your project's dependencies, use reputable sources for package installation, and consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools like Vulert to detect and mitigate potential risks.

How To Fix

This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.

pip uninstall libstringpy

If 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 →

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