LiteLLM / LiteLLM
LiteLLM Supply Chain Attack — Malicious .pth File Steals Credentials
Fix or investigate malicious code execution from litellm package on Python startup Includes evidence for LiteLLM troubleshooting demand.
- Category
- LiteLLM
- Error signature
malicious litellm_init.pth in litellm 1.82.8 — credential stealer- Quick fix
- Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.
- Updated
What this error means
malicious litellm_init.pth in litellm 1.82.8 — credential stealer is a LiteLLM failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix or investigate malicious code execution from litellm package on python startup. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.
Why this happens
The litellm_init.pth file (34,628 bytes) uses double base64-encoded payload to collect system info, environment variables, SSH keys, git credentials, AWS/GCP/Azure/K8s/Docker credentials, crypto wallets, and SSL/TLS private keys. Auto-executes on Python startup — no ‘import litellm’ needed. Reported 2026-03-24, 487 comments, issue closed.
Common causes
- The litellm==1.82.8 PyPI package contains a malicious .pth file that auto-executes a credential-stealing script on every Python interpreter start. Developers who installed this version had their API keys, SSH keys, AWS/GCP/Azure credentials, Kubernetes configs, and crypto wallets exfiltrated. Massive developer impact with 487+ comments on the tracking issue.
- The litellm_init.pth file (34,628 bytes) uses double base64-encoded payload to collect system info, environment variables, SSH keys, git credentials, AWS/GCP/Azure/K8s/Docker credentials, crypto wallets, and SSL/TLS private keys. Auto-executes on Python startup — no ‘import litellm’ needed. Reported 2026-03-24, 487 comments, issue closed.
Quick fixes
- Confirm the exact error signature matches
malicious litellm_init.pth in litellm 1.82.8 — credential stealer. - Check the LiteLLM account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
- Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.
Platform/tool-specific checks
- Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
- Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
- Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.
Step-by-step troubleshooting
- Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
- Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
- Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
- Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
- Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.
How to prevent it
- Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
- Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
- Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.
Sources checked
Evidence note: The litellm_init.pth file (34,628 bytes) uses double base64-encoded payload to collect system info, environment variables, SSH keys, git credentials, AWS/GCP/Azure/K8s/Docker credentials, crypto wallets, and SSL/TLS private keys. Auto-executes on Python startup — no ‘import litellm’ needed. Reported 2026-03-24, 487 comments, issue closed.
Related errors
- litellm pip package compromised
- Python .pth file code execution vulnerability
- supply chain attack developer tools
FAQ
What should I check first?
Start with the exact malicious litellm_init.pth in litellm 1.82.8 — credential stealer text and the smallest action that reproduces it.
Can I ignore this error?
No. Treat it as a failed LiteLLM workflow until the root cause is understood.
Is this guaranteed to have one fix?
No. The imported evidence supports the troubleshooting path above, but tool behavior can vary by account, plan, version, provider, and local configuration.
How do I know the fix worked?
Rerun the same command, editor action, or request. The fix is working when that action completes without malicious litellm_init.pth in litellm 1.82.8 — credential stealer.