# MAL-2026-3252: Malicious code in gauth-client (PyPI)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `gauth-client` (PyPI)
- **Published:** 3 May 2026

## What is MAL-2026-3252?

MAL-2026-3252 is a malicious package in gauth-client, published on 3 May 2026. 

### Official description

Package impersonates Google and attempts to exfiltrate various credential files. It also setups PTH file for automated start during Python initialization. In the analyzed version, the exfiltration target was set as localhost suggesting it's not the final code.

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

Campaign: 2026-05-gauth-client

Reasons (based on the campaign):

 - exfiltration-credentials

 - impersonation

 - files-exfiltration

## What should I do about MAL-2026-3252?

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-2026-3252 is a malicious package: gauth-client (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-2026-3252/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-3252/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-3252

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-3252/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.