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My minute-by-minute response to the LiteLLM malware attack

sourceSimon Willison
calendar_todayMarch 27, 2026
schedule2 min read
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Urgent Response to LiteLLM Malware Attack Highlights Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Summary

The article details Callum McMahon's immediate response to the LiteLLM malware attack, which was reported to PyPI. It includes the use of Claude transcripts to confirm the vulnerability and the steps taken to address the malicious code.

Key Points

  • Callum McMahon reported the LiteLLM malware attack to PyPI.
  • The malicious package identified is litellm version 1.82.8.
  • The malware was confirmed in a Docker container with a size of 34,628 bytes.
  • The initial code snippet revealed malicious behavior through base64 decoding.
  • Users installing or upgrading litellm would be infected by the malware.
  • The situation was reported to the PyPI security contact at [email protected].
  • Callum utilized the claude-code-transcripts tool to document the incident.
  • The attack emphasizes the importance of supply chain security in software development.

Analysis

This incident underscores the critical need for vigilance in software supply chains, particularly with open-source packages. The use of tools like Claude for vulnerability assessment demonstrates the evolving role of AI in cybersecurity, but also highlights the risks associated with third-party dependencies.

Conclusion

IT professionals should prioritize monitoring and validating third-party packages, especially from repositories like PyPI. Implementing automated security checks and maintaining an updated inventory of dependencies can mitigate risks associated with supply chain attacks.