Malicious Code in tpkillmask (PyPI)

tpkillmask Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

25/02/2023
CRITICAL
No i
Critical
Not published

MAL-2023-7186: Malicious code in tpkillmask (PyPI). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

tpkillmask is a package available on PyPI that provides functionality related to killing processes in a targeted manner. It is commonly used in Python projects for managing and terminating processes. However, a recent vulnerability has been discovered in tpkillmask that allows the execution of malicious code.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in tpkillmask is a result of a malicious package published on PyPI by the EsqueleSquad group. This package contains spyware and information-stealing malware. The malicious code can be triggered when using tpkillmask, potentially compromising the security and privacy of the system. It is important to note that this vulnerability affects all versions of tpkillmask.

How To Fix

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

pip uninstall tpkillmask

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 specific workaround available for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to follow the recommended steps for fixing the issue.

Conclusion

The presence of malicious code in tpkillmask poses a significant security risk. It is crucial to take immediate action to remove tpkillmask from your project and replace it with a trusted alternative. Regularly reviewing and updating the packages used in your project is essential for maintaining a secure software ecosystem. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can reach out to DevNack.com.

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FAQ

You can check if tpkillmask is used in your project by reviewing the dependencies listed in your project's package manager configuration file (e.g., requirements.txt or Pipfile.lock). Look for tpkillmask in the list of installed packages.

The malicious code in tpkillmask can lead to the compromise of sensitive information and unauthorized access to the system. It is important to address this vulnerability promptly to protect your system and data.

While specific exploits targeting this vulnerability have not been disclosed, it is important to assume that malicious actors may attempt to exploit it. It is recommended to take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

As this vulnerability is a result of a malicious package, there is no official fix or patch provided by the package maintainers. The recommended solution is to remove tpkillmask and replace it with a trusted alternative.

To ensure the security of your Python project, it is important to regularly update and review the packages used in your project. Use trusted sources for package installation and consider implementing security measures such as code reviews and vulnerability scanning.

How To Fix

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

pip uninstall tpkillmask

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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