# RUSTSEC-2026-0281: `greentic-setup` 1.3.1-dev.34027618345 was removed from crates.io due to containing malicious code

> A malicious version of the greentic-setup Rust crate was published, allowing code execution when projects are opened in VS Code.

- **Severity:** Not scored
- **Exploited in the wild:** Not known
- **Login needed:** Not needed
- **Attackable:** Over the internet
- **Victim action needed:** A user has to click or open something
- **Fix available:** Yes
- **Published:** 7 Sep 2026

## What is RUSTSEC-2026-0281?

RUSTSEC-2026-0281 is a vulnerability in greentic-setup, published on 7 Sep 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

### Official description

A new version of the `greentic-setup` crate was published with a variant
of the PolinRider malware included that would fire when a project
depending on `greentic-setup` was opened in Visual Studio Code.

One malicious version was published on 2026-09-06, approximately 27 hours
before removal. This crate is depended on by four other crates in the
Greentic ecosystem, namely `greentic-start`, `greentic-start-dev`,
`greentic-operator`, and `greentic-operator-dev`. We have no evidence that this
crate version was downloaded by any actual users, but Greentic users should
check their systems nonetheless.

Thanks to the Research Team at Nextron Systems GmbH for the report.

## Which versions are affected by RUSTSEC-2026-0281?

1 open source package ship an affected version, including greentic-setup.


| Package | Ecosystem | Affected | Fixed in |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `greentic-setup` | crates.io | From 1.3.1-dev.34027618345 | 1.3.1-dev.34027618345.0 |

## How do I fix RUSTSEC-2026-0281?

Upgrade greentic-setup to 1.3.1-dev.34027618345.0 or later.

## Is RUSTSEC-2026-0281 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of RUSTSEC-2026-0281 in the wild and no public exploit code.

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
Check this codebase for RUSTSEC-2026-0281 and fix it if it is affected.

What it is: RUSTSEC-2026-0281 is a vulnerability in greentic-setup, published on 7 Sep 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Exploitation: There is no known exploitation of RUSTSEC-2026-0281 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Affected packages and fixed versions:
- greentic-setup (crates.io): affected from 1.3.1-dev.34027618345; fixed in 1.3.1-dev.34027618345.0

Task:
1. Search the dependency manifests and lockfiles (for example package.json, package-lock.json, requirements.txt, poetry.lock, uv.lock, pom.xml, build.gradle, go.mod, Cargo.lock, Gemfile.lock) and any Dockerfiles for the affected packages, including transitive dependencies.
2. If an affected version is in use, upgrade it to the fixed version for its release line with the project's package manager, so the lockfile is regenerated. Prefer the smallest upgrade that fixes it.
3. If there is no fix, or the upgrade would break the build, do not guess: explain the risk and the safest workaround instead.
4. Run the tests and summarise what changed and why.
5. If nothing in the project is affected, say so and change nothing.

Reference: https://insights.sbomify.com/RUSTSEC-2026-0281/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/RUSTSEC-2026-0281/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/RUSTSEC-2026-0281

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/RUSTSEC-2026-0281/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.