Malicious Code in tpstrmask (PyPI)

tpstrmask Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

25/02/2023
CRITICAL
No i
Critical
Not published

MAL-2023-7622: Malicious code in tpstrmask (PyPI). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

tpstrmask is a package available on PyPI that provides functionality related to string masking. It is commonly used in Python projects for tasks such as data obfuscation and privacy protection. However, the package has been found to contain malicious code, which poses a significant security risk to applications that utilize it.

Vulnerability Detail

The tpstrmask 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 tpstrmask allows the execution of arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, and other malicious activities. The malicious code can be triggered when using the affected package, compromising the security and integrity of the application.

How To Fix

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

pip uninstall tpstrmask

If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.

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Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to follow the recommended steps for fixing the issue and ensure the removal of the malicious package from your project.

Conclusion

The tpstrmask package on PyPI has been found to contain malicious code, posing a significant security risk to applications that use it. It is crucial to remove the package and any dependencies that rely on it from your project immediately. Additionally, it is recommended to scan your codebase for other malicious packages and follow best practices for package management to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Simply provide your Pipfile.lock, and Vulert will analyze it in real-time and alert you if any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one, are detected.

The consequences of this vulnerability can be severe. It can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, data breaches, and the installation of additional malware on affected systems. It is crucial to address this vulnerability promptly to mitigate these risks.

At this time, there is no specific evidence of exploitation related to this vulnerability. However, given the nature of the malicious code and the potential for information theft, it is essential to take immediate action to protect your application.

Yes, there are alternative packages available on PyPI that provide similar functionality to tpstrmask. It is recommended to research and choose a reputable package that is actively maintained and has a good security track record.

To prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future, it is crucial to follow best practices for package management. Regularly update your dependencies, use reputable package managers, 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 tpstrmask

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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