Listen to this Post
The CVE-2025-XXXX vulnerability stems from a phishing attack against the maintainers of the `num2words` Python library, leading to the unauthorized upload of malicious versions to PyPI. Attackers injected malware that executed arbitrary code upon installation, compromising systems that installed the tampered packages (versions X.Y.Z and A.B.C). The malicious code leveraged Python’s package installation hooks to trigger payloads during runtime, enabling data exfiltration or further exploitation. PyPI has since removed the rogue versions, but systems running them remain at risk until purged.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: Python (PyPI)
Version: X.Y.Z, A.B.C
Vulnerability: Supply Chain Compromise
Severity: Critical
Date: Jul 31, 2025
Prediction: Patch expected by Aug 7, 2025
What Undercode Say:
pip uninstall num2words Remove compromised versions pip install --force-reinstall num2words==CLEAN_VERSION Safe version
Detection script for malicious imports
import pkg_resources
malicious_versions = ["X.Y.Z", "A.B.C"]
if pkg_resources.get_distribution("num2words").version in malicious_versions:
print("COMPROMISED")
How Exploit:
- Attackers phished maintainers to gain PyPI credentials.
- Malware executed via `setup.py` post-install hooks.
- Payload connected to C2 server for data theft.
Protection from this CVE:
- Verify package checksums before installation.
- Use `–hash` flag with
pip install. - Monitor for unexpected network connections post-install.
Impact:
- Arbitrary code execution on affected systems.
- Data exfiltration via C2 communication.
- Requires manual cleanup of infected environments.
🎯Let’s Practice Exploiting & Learn Patching For Free:
Sources:
Reported By: github.com
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
