# MAL-2026-10869: Malicious code in paperclip-ai (PyPI)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `paperclip-ai` (PyPI)
- **Published:** 20 Jul 2026

## What is MAL-2026-10869?

MAL-2026-10869 is a malicious package in paperclip-ai, published on 20 Jul 2026. 

### Official description

No install-time or import-time network I/O, credential access, dropper, silent-relay, or backdoor behavior was identified in this package version. No lifecycle hooks or suspicious build-backend activity were observed.

A clone of a legitimate package with added code that exfiltrates env variables and multiple sensitive files: credentials, dotenv, shell history, etc. Exfiltrated credentials were quickly validated by the attacker.

---

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

Campaign: 2026-07-browser-use-headless

Reasons (based on the campaign):

 - files-exfiltration

 - exfiltration-env-variables

 - exfiltration-credentials

 - clones-real-package

## What should I do about MAL-2026-10869?

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-2026-10869 is a malicious package: paperclip-ai (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-2026-10869/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-10869/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-10869

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-10869/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.