# MAL-2026-162: Malicious code in btcli-security (PyPI)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `btcli-security` (PyPI)
- **Published:** 8 Jan 2026

## What is MAL-2026-162?

MAL-2026-162 is a malicious package in btcli-security, published on 8 Jan 2026. 

### Official description

Package clones a legitimate bittensor-cli library and adds a hidden code that downloads a malicious script. The script then downloads an archive with malicious executable in the version appropriate to the system architecture, and ensures persistency by adding automatically started service entries. The remote code is a Go-based inforstealer and backdoor previously attributed to Northkorean cybercrime activities. Additionally, the library is modified to save sensitive keys in plaintext for further extraction

---

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

Campaign: 2026-01-gztensor-cli

Reasons (based on the campaign):

 - crypto-related

 - action-hidden-in-lib-usage

 - Downloads and executes a remote executable.

 - clones-real-package

 - peristence-autorun

 - typosquatting

 - obfuscation

 - backdoor

 - infostealer

## What should I do about MAL-2026-162?

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-2026-162 is a malicious package: btcli-security (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-2026-162/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-162/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-162

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-162/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.