Two malicious Python packages masquerading as tools for interacting with popular AI models ChatGPT and Claude were recently discovered on the Python Package Index (PyPI), the official repository for Python libraries.
These packages reportedly remained undetected for over a year, silently compromising developer environments and exfiltrating sensitive data.
As reported by a cybersecurity researcher, Leonid via X, the malicious packages were designed to exploit the growing popularity and adoption of AI tools in development workflows.
Developers, eager to integrate ChatGPT and Claude into their projects, were unknowingly installing these malicious packages, believing them to be legitimate resources for engaging with OpenAI and Anthropic’s language models.
Maximizing Cybersecurity ROI: Expert Tips for SME & MSP Leaders – Attend Free Webinar
The packages, whose names have not yet been disclosed, operated by mimicking legitimate libraries, providing seemingly functional capabilities while embedding hidden malicious scripts.
These scripts exfiltrated sensitive information, including API keys, credentials, and possibly proprietary code, directly from developers’ systems to external servers controlled by the attackers.
The researcher emphasized that these packages managed to evade detection for over a year, highlighting significant challenges in securing open-source ecosystems.
The PyPI repository, a cornerstone for Python development, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years due to the rise of malicious actors exploiting its openness.
This breach has sent shockwaves through the development community, as it underscores the potential risks of relying on unverified third-party libraries.
Developers are urged to immediately audit their dependencies and review any recent installations of AI-related packages.
PyPI maintainers are reportedly working to remove malicious packages and strengthen security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Experts recommend that developers adopt best practices, including verifying package authenticity, using virtual environments, and employing automated dependency scanners to detect vulnerabilities.
Are you from SOC/DFIR Teams? – Analyse Malware Files & Links with ANY.RUN -> Try for Free
A sophisticated cyber campaign orchestrated by the Chinese Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group, Silver Fox,…
A new wave of cyberattacks attributed to the Ghostwriter Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group has…
The LCRYX ransomware, a malicious VBScript-based threat, has re-emerged in February 2025 after its initial…
Recent cybersecurity investigations have uncovered a sophisticated technique employed by threat actors to evade detection…
A financial management app named Finance Simplified has been revealed as a malicious tool for…
A recent discovery by cybersecurity researchers has revealed that the Poseidon malware, a macOS-targeting trojan,…