Malicious code in virtualvm (PyPI)

virtualvm Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

24/02/2023
CRITICAL
No i
Critical
Not published

MAL-2023-7838: Malicious code in virtualvm (PyPI). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The virtualvm package is an open-source Python package available on PyPI. It is designed to provide functionality for virtual machine management and monitoring. It allows users to interact with virtual machines, monitor their performance, and perform various management tasks. However, the package has been found to contain malicious code, which poses a significant security risk to users who install and use it.

Vulnerability Detail

The virtualvm 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 virtualvm allows the execution of malicious code, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and other malicious activities. The malicious code can be found in the package's source code and can be triggered when the package is installed or used.

How To Fix

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

pip uninstall virtualvm

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 remove the virtualvm package and address any potential security issues it may have caused.

Conclusion

The virtualvm package on PyPI has been found to contain malicious code, posing a significant security risk to users. It is crucial to remove the package and address any potential security issues it may have caused. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact 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, and Vulert will analyze it and alert you in real-time if any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one, are found.

The malicious code in the virtualvm package can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and other malicious activities. It can compromise the security and integrity of your system, potentially exposing sensitive information and causing significant damage.

The recommended fix is to remove the virtualvm package and any dependencies that rely on it. It is also crucial to scan your system for any signs of compromise and take appropriate security measures.

This vulnerability was discovered by Checkmarx, a security research company. They identified the malicious code in the virtualvm package and reported it to the appropriate channels for further investigation and mitigation.

To prevent similar vulnerabilities, it is essential to follow best practices for package management and security. Regularly update your packages and dependencies, use reputable sources for package installation, and employ security tools and practices to detect and prevent malicious code.

How To Fix

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

pip uninstall virtualvm

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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