> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/appsec-rules/malicious-packages/appsec-mal-1.md).

# Malicious open-source package detected in code

## Rule Details

|                        |                          |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------ |
| Cortex AppSec Rule ID  | APPSEC\_MAL\_1           |
| Category - Subcategory | SCA - Malicious Packages |
| Severity               | CRITICAL                 |
| Framework              | SCA                      |

## Impact

A malicious open-source package was detected in the codebase. Malicious packages are intentionally harmful software components distributed through package registries such as npm, PyPI, RubyGems, NuGet, Go, crates.io, and Maven. These include typosquatting attacks, backdoored libraries, credential-theft packages, and hijacked packages. Unlike vulnerabilities (CVEs), malicious packages are always CRITICAL severity and require immediate removal — there is no safe version to upgrade to.

## How to Fix

Remove the malicious package immediately from your project dependencies. Review all access logs and credentials that may have been exposed. Audit your dependency tree for any other suspicious packages.


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