MAL-2026-16142 Malicious code in python-fork (PyPI)
Malicious package
Published
MAL-2026-16142 is a malicious package: python-fork (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-2026-16142/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16142/index.md)
- Package
- python-fork
- Registry
- PyPI
What is MAL-2026-16142?
MAL-2026-16142 is a malicious package in python-fork, published on 12 Sep 2026.
Official description
The package was found to contain malicious code or consuming dependency that contains malicious code
Importing the module starts a fork bomb, what can lead to destabilizing the system.
Category: MALICIOUS - The campaign has clearly malicious intent, like infostealers.
Campaign: 2026-09-python-fork
Reasons (based on the campaign):
- other
What should I do about MAL-2026-16142?
Remove the package from your dependencies and lockfiles, then rotate any secrets on machines where it was installed.