MAL-2026-13490 Malicious code in fast-hashes (PyPI)

Malicious package Published
Package
fast-hashes
Registry
PyPI

What is MAL-2026-13490?

MAL-2026-13490 is a malicious package in fast-hashes, published on 7 Aug 2026.

Official description

setup.py defines a custom install command (NativeInstall.run) that decodes a base64 blob and passes it to exec(compile(…)) at install time. The decoded payload downloads an opaque binary from https://github.com/totti2188/8gp1Q7iZD3h4VW/releases/download/v1.3A/something to /tmp/something, chmods it to 0755, and Popen-launches it detached with start_new_session=True. The fetch target's GitHub account (totti2188) is unrelated to the declared package publisher, the binary is unpinned and unverified, and the fetch-and-execute logic is concealed behind a base64 blob labeled _COMPAT_PAYLOAD with a benign-sounding '_configure_native_bindings' cover story. The package's non-install code only wraps hashlib and has no legitimate need for a native binary. Any pip install of this version triggers arbitrary code execution on the installer's host under the identity of a third-party GitHub account.

Package imitates name of a popula library. During installation, obfuscated code downloads a malicious executable and starts it. It then exfiltrates at least cryptocurrency wallet data, probably more.


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

Campaign: 2026-08-flasq

Reasons (based on the campaign):

  • typosquatting

  • The package overrides the install command in setup.py to execute malicious code during installation.

  • exfiltration-generic

  • Downloads and executes a remote executable.

  • obfuscation

  • exfiltration-crypto

What should I do about MAL-2026-13490?

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

Sources

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