These packages, identified as bitcoinlibdbfix and bitcoinlib-dev, masquerade as legitimate fixes for the cryptocurrency library while containing code designed to exfiltrate sensitive database files containing valuable crypto wallet information. The bitcoinlib library serves as a critical tool for developers building cryptocurrency applications, providing essential functionality for creating and managing crypto wallets, interacting with blockchain networks, and executing Bitcoin scripts. Two malicious Python packages have been discovered on the Python Package Index (PyPI) specifically designed to compromise systems using the popular bitcoinlib library. The attackers employed classic social engineering techniques, presenting their malicious packages as solutions to a purported database issue in bitcoinlib. ReversingLabs researchers identified these malicious packages through their Spectra platform, which employs advanced machine learning algorithms to detect novel malware by analyzing behavioral patterns. Once installed, the malicious packages execute a sophisticated attack by targeting the legitimate command-line interface tool. According to their analysis, both packages were designed as part of a targeted supply chain attack, continuing a troubling trend in cryptocurrency-related software compromises that saw nearly two dozen similar campaigns throughout 2024. One package claimed to fix a “ValueError: Old database version found (0.5 version database automatically” error, luring developers seeking quick solutions to implement the compromised code. This provides the attackers with a persistent mechanism to harvest sensitive database files containing private keys and wallet information, which are then exfiltrated to attacker-controlled servers. The core of the attack involves overwriting the legitimate “clw” command-line tool with malicious code. Cyber Security News is a Dedicated News Platform For Cyber News, Cyber Attack News, Hacking News & Vulnerability Analysis.
This Cyber News was published on cybersecuritynews.com. Publication date: Mon, 07 Apr 2025 20:10:14 +0000