# MAL-2026-14545: Malicious code in pybitjs (PyPI)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `pybitjs` (PyPI)
- **Published:** 26 Aug 2026

## What is MAL-2026-14545?

MAL-2026-14545 is a malicious package in pybitjs, published on 26 Aug 2026. 

### Official description

The package's setuptools cmdclasses (BuildPy, Develop) invoke `node pybitjs/js/main.js` during `pip install`, and write a `pybitjs.pth` file containing `import pybitjs._autorun; pybitjs._autorun.run_main_js_once()` so the same Node.js payload is re-executed on every subsequent Python interpreter startup. The bundled `pybitjs/js/main.js` is heavily string-array obfuscated (obfuscator.io style `_0x240a` / `_0x4963`) and implements an EtherHiding-style C2: it queries Ethereum JSON-RPC endpoints (drpc.org, publicnode.com, blockscout, etherscan-like API) for transactions involving the hardcoded address `0xa322E5f3...`, extracts an IPv4 from the transaction data, HTTP-fetches an XOR-encrypted blob from that IP, decrypts it, and passes the decrypted content to `eval(...)` and to `spawn('node', ['-e', <payload>], {detached:true}).unref()`. Because the C2 host is dereferenced from an on-chain transaction, the destination is attacker-mutable, and installing or launching Python with this package present causes arbitrary attacker-controlled code to be fetched and executed on the installer's host.

Package embeds obfuscated, JS-based malware downloading further remote stages. The code is triggered during building the package and on every Python startup (via PTH file). The next-stage IP is delivered via a blockchain. 

The payload and embedded IoCs are consistent with campaigns attributed to Lazarus APT/PolinRider.

---

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

Campaign: 2026-08-pybitjs

Reasons (based on the campaign):

 - obfuscation

 - Downloads and executes a remote malicious script.

 - malware

 - abuses-pth

 - c2-in-blockchain

## What should I do about MAL-2026-14545?

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-2026-14545 is a malicious package: pybitjs (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-2026-14545/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-14545/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-14545

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-14545/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.