# MAL-2026-15860: Malicious code in py-0requests (PyPI)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `py-0requests` (PyPI)
- **Published:** 3 Sep 2026

## What is MAL-2026-15860?

MAL-2026-15860 is a malicious package in py-0requests, published on 3 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

py-0requests is a homoglyph typosquat of the PyPI package `requests` (letter `o` replaced with digit `0`). On `import py_0requests`, top-level code in the package's `__init__.py` scrapes `os.environ` for keys prefixed with SECRET, API, TOKEN, or KEY and sends the collected dictionary over a TCP socket to a host/port read from `TS_HOST`/`TS_PORT` (defaulting to 127.0.0.1:9999). The same import path spawns a Python subprocess that opens a TCP connection to the same destination, sends a `SHELL` marker, and holds the socket open, providing a reverse-shell handshake to whichever operator controls the destination. The package's CLI banner self-identifies as `targeting requests` and ships no HTTP-client API.

During import, the code exfiltrates potentially sensitive env variables. In all analyzed versions the exfiltration target was a localhost, suggesting it was just a test.

---

Category: PROBABLY_PENTEST - Packages looking like typical pentest packages, but also anything that looks like testing, exploring pre-prepared kits, research & co, with clearly low-harm possibilities.

Campaign: 2026-09-0requests

Reasons (based on the campaign):

 - exfiltration-env-variables

 - typosquatting

## What should I do about MAL-2026-15860?

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-2026-15860 is a malicious package: py-0requests (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-2026-15860/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-15860/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-15860

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-15860/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.