Malicious code in py-httpstringvirtual (pypi)

py-httpstringvirtual Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

25/02/2023
CRITICAL
No i
Critical
Not published

MAL-2023-5186: Malicious code in py-httpstringvirtual (PyPI). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

py-httpstringvirtual is a package available on PyPI that provides functionality for manipulating HTTP strings. It is commonly used in Python projects that involve HTTP request/response handling. However, this package has been found to contain malicious code.

Vulnerability Detail

The py-httpstringvirtual 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 py-httpstringvirtual allows the execution of malicious code, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and other security breaches.

How To Fix

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

pip uninstall py-httpstringvirtual

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 malicious package and replacing it with a secure alternative.

Conclusion

The py-httpstringvirtual package on PyPI has been found to contain malicious code, posing a significant security risk. It is crucial to remove this package from your project and replace it with a trusted alternative. Regularly reviewing and updating your project's dependencies is essential to mitigate the risk of similar vulnerabilities. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can reach out to DevNack.com.

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FAQ

You can check your project's dependencies or requirements files to see if py-httpstringvirtual is listed. Additionally, you can use tools like Vulert (https://vulert.com) to scan your project and identify any vulnerable packages.

The malicious code in py-httpstringvirtual can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and the execution of spyware or information-stealing malware. This can result in compromised user data, financial loss, and damage to your organization's reputation.

While specific instances of exploitation may not be publicly documented, the presence of malicious code in py-httpstringvirtual indicates a significant risk. It is crucial to address this vulnerability promptly to mitigate potential harm.

No official fix or patch is available for the py-httpstringvirtual package. The recommended course of action is to remove the package from your project and replace it with a trusted alternative.

To ensure the security of your Python project, it is essential to follow best practices such as regularly updating dependencies, reviewing package sources, and using tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities. Additionally, consider implementing security measures like input validation, access controls, and secure coding practices.

How To Fix

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

pip uninstall py-httpstringvirtual

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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