# MAL-2026-1226: Malicious code in qwery-core (PyPI)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `qwery-core` (PyPI)
- **Published:** 3 Mar 2026

## What is MAL-2026-1226?

MAL-2026-1226 is a malicious package in qwery-core, published on 3 Mar 2026. 

### Official description

Obfuscated downloader of encrypted code, compiled to native binary. The remote URL has to be provided to the binary. Likely impersonates legitimate npm library

---

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

Campaign: 2026-02-qwery-core

Reasons (based on the campaign):

 - obfuscation

 - Downloads and executes a remote malicious script.

 - impersonation

## What should I do about MAL-2026-1226?

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-2026-1226 is a malicious package: qwery-core (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-2026-1226/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-1226/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-1226

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-1226/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.