The Python Package Index (PyPI), Python’s official third-party software repository, temporarily halted new user sign-ups and package uploads due to a surge in malicious activity. The decision was made as the influx of malicious users and projects exceeded the capacity of the PyPI administrators to respond, particularly with several administrators on leave. The nature of the malware and the identities of the threat actors were not disclosed.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of software registries like PyPI, which are often targeted by attackers seeking to compromise developer environments and poison the software supply chain. In a related development, Israeli cybersecurity startup Phylum discovered an active malware campaign that exploits the popularity of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The campaign lures developers into downloading a malicious Python module designed to steal clipboard content, potentially hijacking cryptocurrency transactions.
ReversingLabs identified multiple npm packages with names such as nodejs-encrypt-agent and nodejs-cookie-proxy-agent that drop a trojan named TurkoRat. These discoveries highlight the importance of vigilance and security measures in the software development ecosystem.
After pausing new user and project registrations over the weekend, the PyPI maintainers have resumed these activities. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats facing software repositories and the need for robust cybersecurity practices.
Source: Hackernews
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