# MAL-2026-10192: Malicious code in defi-tools (PyPI)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `defi-tools` (PyPI)
- **Published:** 12 Jul 2026

## What is MAL-2026-10192?

MAL-2026-10192 is a malicious package in defi-tools, published on 12 Jul 2026. 

### Official description

On first import, defi_tools/__init__.py decodes a base64-embedded ~486KB Linux ELF, writes it to ~/.config/.npm-cache/snapd-network, sets mode 0777, and installs a user crontab entry (0 */12 * * *) to re-execute it every 12 hours. The binary is disguised under a system-service-like name in a hidden.npm-cache directory that maps to no real npm or snapd path. The init code then recursively removes the package's own dist-info/egg-info and __pycache__ directories, erasing evidence while the dropped binary and cron entry persist.

The package embeds an executable stealing cryptocurrency wallets data. During import, code saves the executable under a name suggesting system utility and configures cron to run it periodically. The exfiltrated data is encrypted using embedded RSA code before uploading to file-sharing services or IPFS.

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Category: MALICIOUS - The campaign has clearly malicious intent, like infostealers.

Campaign: 2026-07-py-base58

Reasons (based on the campaign):

 - crypto-related

 - exfiltration-crypto

 - persistence

## What should I do about MAL-2026-10192?

Remove the package from your dependencies and lockfiles, then rotate any secrets on machines where it was installed.

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
MAL-2026-10192 is a malicious package: defi-tools (PyPI). Every version was published to cause harm.

Task:
1. Search this repository's dependency manifests and lockfiles for the package, including transitive dependencies.
2. If it is present, remove it, regenerate the lockfile with the project's package manager, and replace whatever it was used for.
3. List any CI runners, developer machines or containers that installed it, so their secrets can be rotated.
4. If the package is not used anywhere, say so and change nothing.

Reference: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-10192/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-10192/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-10192

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-10192/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.