# MAL-2026-16268: Malicious code in index-forum (PyPI)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `index-forum` (PyPI)
- **Published:** 17 Sep 2026

## What is MAL-2026-16268?

MAL-2026-16268 is a malicious package in index-forum, published on 17 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

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

The package hides code to exfiltrate specific files from the user's machine. The used file paths suggest it was intended to be used in a CTF-like environment.

---

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

Campaign: 2026-09-pyjstat-smooth

Reasons (based on the campaign):

 - files-exfiltration

 - obfuscation

 - targetted-attack

 - clones-real-package

## What should I do about MAL-2026-16268?

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-2026-16268 is a malicious package: index-forum (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-2026-16268/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16268/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-16268

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16268/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.