# MAL-2026-6977: Malicious code in rarcore (PyPI)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `rarcore` (PyPI)
- **Published:** 8 Jul 2026

## What is MAL-2026-6977?

MAL-2026-6977 is a malicious package in rarcore, published on 8 Jul 2026. 

### Official description

During import, this malicious copy of a legitimate package downloads an encrypted data disguise as an image. It contains an archive with a next-stage script that uses the Polygon blockchain (contract 0xC7c9026a3a7e27ec6Ce2D09B19FC1FB4bc978BBb) to get the C2 address. The script then communicates with C2 over an encrypted channel to get further commands and ensures persistence. C2 delivers an executable that is executed by loading it into the memory of another process. During analysis, the encryption key and delivered binary contained test data suggesting the author experiments with building a botnet.

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

Campaign: 2026-07-yt-api-dlp

Reasons (based on the campaign):

 - peristence-autorun

 - Downloads and executes a remote malicious script.

 - clones-real-package

 - persistence

 - custom-crypto

 - data-from-blockchain

## What should I do about MAL-2026-6977?

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-2026-6977 is a malicious package: rarcore (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-2026-6977/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6977/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-6977

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6977/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.