# MAL-2026-14308: Malicious code in libasync (PyPI)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `libasync` (PyPI)
- **Published:** 19 Aug 2026

## What is MAL-2026-14308?

MAL-2026-14308 is a malicious package in libasync, published on 19 Aug 2026. 

### Official description

The package was found to contain malicious code or consuming dependency that contains malicious code

During import, the code obfuscated in native extension downloads malicious remote executable and establishes persistence via registry keys. Downloaded binary seems to be used for cryptomining.

 Attacker infrastructure corresponds with the campaign 2026-07-pyqt6darktheme.

---

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

Campaign: 2026-08-libasync

Reasons (based on the campaign):

 - Downloads and executes a remote executable.

 - obfuscation

 - The package contains code to detect if it is running in a sandbox environment.

 - native-extension

 - persistence

 - cryptominer

## What should I do about MAL-2026-14308?

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-2026-14308 is a malicious package: libasync (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-2026-14308/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-14308/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-14308

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-14308/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.