Common Weakness Enumeration

CWE-506

Allowed-with-Review

Embedded Malicious Code

Abstraction: Class · Status: Incomplete

The product contains code that appears to be malicious in nature.

525 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.

GHSA-5MG7-485Q-XM76

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-03-25 14:25 – Updated: 2026-03-27 00:32
VLAI
Summary
Two LiteLLM versions published containing credential harvesting malware
Details

After an API Token exposure from an exploited trivy dependency, two new releases of litellm were uploaded to PyPI containing automatically activated malware, harvesting sensitive credentials and files, and exfiltrating to a remote API.

Anyone who has installed and run the project should assume any credentials available to litellm environment may have been exposed, and revoke/rotate thema ccordingly.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "PyPI",
        "name": "litellm"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "1.82.7"
            },
            {
              "last_affected": "1.82.8"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-506"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2026-03-25T14:25:42Z",
    "nvd_published_at": null,
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "After an API Token exposure from an exploited trivy dependency, two new releases of `litellm` were uploaded to PyPI containing automatically activated malware, harvesting sensitive credentials and files, and exfiltrating to a remote API.\n\nAnyone who has installed and run the project should assume any credentials available to litellm environment may have been exposed, and revoke/rotate thema ccordingly.",
  "id": "GHSA-5mg7-485q-xm76",
  "modified": "2026-03-27T00:32:11Z",
  "published": "2026-03-25T14:25:42Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/BerriAI/litellm/issues/24518"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://docs.litellm.ai/blog/security-update-march-2026"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://futuresearch.ai/blog/litellm-pypi-supply-chain-attack"
    },
    {
      "type": "PACKAGE",
      "url": "https://github.com/BerriAI/litellm"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/litellm/PYSEC-2026-2.yaml"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://inspector.pypi.io/project/litellm/1.82.7/packages/79/5f/b6998d42c6ccd32d36e12661f2734602e72a576d52a51f4245aef0b20b4d/litellm-1.82.7-py3-none-any.whl/litellm/proxy/proxy_server.py#line.130"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://inspector.pypi.io/project/litellm/1.82.8/packages/f6/2c/731b614e6cee0bca1e010a36fd381fba69ee836fe3cb6753ba23ef2b9601/litellm-1.82.8.tar.gz/litellm-1.82.8/litellm_init.pth#line.1"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.wiz.io/blog/teampcp-attack-kics-github-action"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [],
  "summary": "Two LiteLLM versions published containing credential harvesting malware"
}

GHSA-5MHV-9QW8-J63G

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2018-11-09 17:43 – Updated: 2023-09-11 16:18
VLAI
Summary
mssql.js is malware
Details

The mssql.js package is a piece of malware that steals environment variables and sends them to attacker controlled locations.

All versions have been unpublished from the npm registry.

Recommendation

As this package is malware, if you find it installed in your environment, the real security concern is determining how it got there.

If you have found this installed in your environment, you should: 1. Delete the package 2. Clear your npm cache 3. Ensure it is not present in any other package.json files on your system 4. Regenerate your registry credentials, tokens, and any other sensitive credentials that may have been present in your environment variables.

Additionally, any service which may have been exposed via credentials in your environment variables, such as a database, should be reviewed for indicators of compromise as well.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "npm",
        "name": "mssql.js"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0"
            },
            {
              "last_affected": "1.0.2"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2017-16056"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-506"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2020-06-16T21:16:43Z",
    "nvd_published_at": null,
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "The `mssql.js` package is a piece of malware that steals environment variables and sends them to attacker controlled locations. \n\nAll versions have been unpublished from the npm registry.\n\n\n## Recommendation\n\nAs this package is malware, if you find it installed in your environment, the real security concern is determining how it got there. \n\nIf you have found this installed in your environment, you should:\n1. Delete the package\n2. Clear your npm cache\n3. Ensure it is not present in any other package.json files on your system\n4. Regenerate your registry credentials, tokens, and any other sensitive credentials that may have been present in your environment variables. \n\nAdditionally, any service which may have been exposed via credentials in your environment variables, such as a database, should be reviewed for indicators of compromise as well.",
  "id": "GHSA-5mhv-9qw8-j63g",
  "modified": "2023-09-11T16:18:34Z",
  "published": "2018-11-09T17:43:03Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-16056"
    },
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-5mhv-9qw8-j63g"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/485"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "mssql.js is malware"
}

GHSA-5MM9-55C9-P5R7

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2020-09-03 19:53 – Updated: 2021-09-30 20:26
VLAI
Summary
Malicious Package in mogoose
Details

This package contained malicious code. The package uploaded system information such as OS and hostname to a remote server.

Recommendation

Remove the package from your environment. There are no indications of further compromise.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "npm",
        "name": "mogoose"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0.0.0"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-506"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2020-08-31T18:48:31Z",
    "nvd_published_at": null,
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "This package contained malicious code. The package uploaded system information such as OS and hostname to a remote server.\n\n\n## Recommendation\n\nRemove the package from your environment. There are no indications of further compromise.",
  "id": "GHSA-5mm9-55c9-p5r7",
  "modified": "2021-09-30T20:26:48Z",
  "published": "2020-09-03T19:53:31Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/1135"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "Malicious Package in mogoose"
}

GHSA-5WQ6-V5CW-JVFR

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2020-09-03 23:03 – Updated: 2021-09-30 17:12
VLAI
Summary
Malicious Package in js-shas
Details

Version 0.8.0 contained malicious code. The package targeted the Ethereum cryptocurrency and performed transactions to wallets not controlled by the user.

Recommendation

Remove the package from your environment. Ensure no Ethereum funds were compromised.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "npm",
        "name": "js-shas"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0.0.0"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-506"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2020-08-31T18:53:46Z",
    "nvd_published_at": null,
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "Version 0.8.0 contained malicious code. The package targeted the Ethereum cryptocurrency and performed transactions to wallets not controlled by the user.\n\n\n## Recommendation\n\nRemove the package from your environment. Ensure no Ethereum funds were compromised.",
  "id": "GHSA-5wq6-v5cw-jvfr",
  "modified": "2021-09-30T17:12:55Z",
  "published": "2020-09-03T23:03:36Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/1285"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "Malicious Package in js-shas"
}

GHSA-5X7P-GM79-383M

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2020-09-01 21:11 – Updated: 2021-10-01 13:28
VLAI
Summary
Malicious Package in regenraotr
Details

All versions of regenraotr are considered malicious. The package is malware designed to take advantage of users making a mistake when typing the name of a module to install. When executed, the package calls home to a Command and Control server to execute arbitrary commands.

Recommendation

This package was published to the npm Registry for a very short period of time. If you happen to find it in your environment you should revoke and rotate all credentials found on the compromised machine, as well as completely erase the affected machine and reinstall your Operating System.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "npm",
        "name": "regenraotr"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-506"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2020-08-31T18:32:40Z",
    "nvd_published_at": null,
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "All versions of `regenraotr` are considered malicious. The package is malware designed to take advantage of users making a mistake when typing the name of a module to install. When executed, the package calls home to a Command and Control server to execute arbitrary commands.\n\n\n## Recommendation\n\nThis package was published to the npm Registry for a very short period of time. If you happen to find it in your environment you should revoke and rotate all credentials  found on the compromised machine, as well as completely erase the affected machine and reinstall your Operating System.",
  "id": "GHSA-5x7p-gm79-383m",
  "modified": "2021-10-01T13:28:51Z",
  "published": "2020-09-01T21:11:57Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/684"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "Malicious Package in regenraotr"
}

GHSA-5X8Q-GJ67-RHF2

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2020-09-02 21:18 – Updated: 2021-09-30 21:23
VLAI
Summary
Malicious Package in discord_debug_log
Details

All versions of discord_debug_log contain obfuscated malware that uploads Discord user tokens to a remote server. This allows attackers to make purchases on behalf of users if they have credit cards linked to their Discord accounts.

Recommendation

Remove the package from your environment. Review your Discord account access and rotate tokens if possible. If a credit card was linked to a compromised account contact your credit card company.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "npm",
        "name": "discord_debug_log"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-506"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2020-08-31T18:38:59Z",
    "nvd_published_at": null,
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "All versions of `discord_debug_log` contain obfuscated malware that uploads Discord user tokens to a remote server. This allows attackers to make purchases on behalf of users if they have credit cards linked to their Discord accounts.\n\n\n## Recommendation\n\nRemove the package from your environment. Review your Discord account access and rotate tokens if possible. If a credit card was linked to a compromised account contact your credit card company.",
  "id": "GHSA-5x8q-gj67-rhf2",
  "modified": "2021-09-30T21:23:24Z",
  "published": "2020-09-02T21:18:33Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/873"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "Malicious Package in discord_debug_log"
}

GHSA-629C-J867-3V45

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2020-09-04 16:41 – Updated: 2021-10-01 20:43
VLAI
Summary
Malicious Package in bitcoisnj-lib
Details

All versions of this package contained malware. The package was designed to find and exfiltrate cryptocurrency wallets.

Recommendation

Any computer that has this package installed or running should be considered fully compromised. All secrets and keys stored on that computer should be rotated immediately from a different computer.

The package should be removed, but as full control of the computer may have been given to an outside entity, there is no guarantee that removing the package will remove all malicious software resulting from installing it.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "npm",
        "name": "bitcoisnj-lib"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0.0.0"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-506"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2020-08-31T18:56:39Z",
    "nvd_published_at": null,
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "All versions of this package contained malware. The package was designed to find and exfiltrate cryptocurrency wallets.\n\n\n## Recommendation\n\nAny computer that has this package installed or running should be considered fully compromised. All secrets and keys stored on that computer should be rotated immediately from a different computer.\n\nThe package should be removed, but as full control of the computer may have been given to an outside entity, there is no guarantee that removing the package will remove all malicious software resulting from installing it.",
  "id": "GHSA-629c-j867-3v45",
  "modified": "2021-10-01T20:43:02Z",
  "published": "2020-09-04T16:41:04Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/1367"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "Malicious Package in bitcoisnj-lib"
}

GHSA-62GJ-G63V-87H7

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-10-15 03:30 – Updated: 2025-10-15 03:30
VLAI
Details

VestaCP commit a3f0fa1 (2018-05-31) up to commit ee03eff (2018-06-13) contain embedded malicious code that resulted in a supply-chain compromise. New installations created from the compromised installer since at least May 2018 were subject to installation of Linux/ChachaDDoS, a multi-stage DDoS bot that uses Lua for second- and third-stage components. The compromise leaked administrative credentials (base64-encoded admin password and server domain) to an external URL during installation and/or resulted in the installer dropping and executing a DDoS malware payload under local system privileges. Compromised servers were subsequently observed participating in large-scale DDoS activity. Vesta acknowledged exploitation in the wild in October 2018.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2018-25117"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-506"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2025-10-15T02:15:31Z",
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "VestaCP commit a3f0fa1 (2018-05-31) up to commit ee03eff (2018-06-13) contain embedded malicious code that resulted in a supply-chain compromise. New installations created from the compromised installer since at least May 2018 were subject to installation of Linux/ChachaDDoS, a multi-stage DDoS bot that uses Lua for second- and third-stage components. The compromise leaked administrative credentials (base64-encoded admin password and server domain) to an external URL during installation and/or resulted in the installer dropping and executing a DDoS malware payload under local system privileges. Compromised servers were subsequently observed participating in large-scale DDoS activity. Vesta acknowledged exploitation in the wild in October 2018.",
  "id": "GHSA-62gj-g63v-87h7",
  "modified": "2025-10-15T03:30:40Z",
  "published": "2025-10-15T03:30:40Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-25117"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/outroll/vesta/commit/a3f0fa1501d424477786e3e7150bb05c0b99518f#diff-df8da0c91e9086454c60cd468849630dR1256"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/outroll/vesta/commit/ee03eff016e03cb76fac7ae3a0f9d1ef0f8ee35b#diff-df8da0c91e9086454c60cd468849630dL1270"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://forum.vestacp.com/viewtopic.php?f=10\u0026t=17641\u0026p=73282"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://forum.vestacp.com/viewtopic.php?f=10\u0026t=17641\u0026start=180#p73907"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/outroll/vesta"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://vestacp.com"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/vestacp-debian-installer-malicious-backdoor-supply-chain-compromise"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2018/10/18/new-linux-chachaddos-malware-distributed-servers-vestacp-installed"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:N/SC:H/SI:H/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
      "type": "CVSS_V4"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-6343-M2QR-66GF

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2020-09-03 23:10 – Updated: 2021-09-30 17:14
VLAI
Summary
Malicious Package in js-sja3
Details

Version 0.8.0 contained malicious code. The package targeted the Ethereum cryptocurrency and performed transactions to wallets not controlled by the user.

Recommendation

Remove the package from your environment. Ensure no Ethereum funds were compromised.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "npm",
        "name": "js-sja3"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0.0.0"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-506"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2020-08-31T18:54:01Z",
    "nvd_published_at": null,
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "Version 0.8.0 contained malicious code. The package targeted the Ethereum cryptocurrency and performed transactions to wallets not controlled by the user.\n\n\n## Recommendation\n\nRemove the package from your environment. Ensure no Ethereum funds were compromised.",
  "id": "GHSA-6343-m2qr-66gf",
  "modified": "2021-09-30T17:14:57Z",
  "published": "2020-09-03T23:10:41Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/1291"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "Malicious Package in js-sja3"
}

GHSA-646X-M363-9RH4

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2018-10-03 20:27 – Updated: 2023-09-12 18:41
VLAI
Summary
node-opensl is malware
Details

The node-opensl package is a piece of malware that steals environment variables and sends them to attacker controlled locations.

All versions have been unpublished from the npm registry.

Recommendation

As this package is malware, if you find it installed in your environment, the real security concern is determining how it got there.

If you have found this installed in your environment, you should: 1. Delete the package 2. Clear your npm cache 3. Ensure it is not present in any other package.json files on your system 4. Regenerate your registry credentials, tokens, and any other sensitive credentials that may have been present in your environment variables.

Additionally, any service which may have been exposed via credentials in your environment variables, such as a database, should be reviewed for indicators of compromise as well.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "npm",
        "name": "node-opensl"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2017-16063"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-506"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2020-06-16T21:17:55Z",
    "nvd_published_at": null,
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "The `node-opensl` package is a piece of malware that steals environment variables and sends them to attacker controlled locations. \n\nAll versions have been unpublished from the npm registry.\n\n\n## Recommendation\n\n\nAs this package is malware, if you find it installed in your environment, the real security concern is determining how it got there. \n\nIf you have found this installed in your environment, you should:\n1. Delete the package\n2. Clear your npm cache\n3. Ensure it is not present in any other package.json files on your system\n4. Regenerate your registry credentials, tokens, and any other sensitive credentials that may have been present in your environment variables. \n\nAdditionally, any service which may have been exposed via credentials in your environment variables, such as a database, should be reviewed for indicators of compromise as well.",
  "id": "GHSA-646x-m363-9rh4",
  "modified": "2023-09-12T18:41:03Z",
  "published": "2018-10-03T20:27:55Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-16063"
    },
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-646x-m363-9rh4"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/502"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "node-opensl is malware"
}

Mitigation
Implementation Operation

Remove the malicious code and start an effort to ensure that no more malicious code exists. This may require a detailed review of all code, as it is possible to hide a serious attack in only one or two lines of code. These lines may be located almost anywhere in an application and may have been intentionally obfuscated by the attacker.

CAPEC-442: Infected Software

An adversary adds malicious logic, often in the form of a computer virus, to otherwise benign software. This logic is often hidden from the user of the software and works behind the scenes to achieve negative impacts. Many times, the malicious logic is inserted into empty space between legitimate code, and is then called when the software is executed. This pattern of attack focuses on software already fielded and used in operation as opposed to software that is still under development and part of the supply chain.

CAPEC-448: Embed Virus into DLL

An adversary tampers with a DLL and embeds a computer virus into gaps between legitimate machine instructions. These gaps may be the result of compiler optimizations that pad memory blocks for performance gains. The embedded virus then attempts to infect any machine which interfaces with the product, and possibly steal private data or eavesdrop.

CAPEC-636: Hiding Malicious Data or Code within Files

Files on various operating systems can have a complex format which allows for the storage of other data, in addition to its contents. Often this is metadata about the file, such as a cached thumbnail for an image file. Unless utilities are invoked in a particular way, this data is not visible during the normal use of the file. It is possible for an attacker to store malicious data or code using these facilities, which would be difficult to discover.