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.

Source-backed Last updated May 11, 2026 2 sources Needs local verification

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: May 11, 2026
Verification status: Source-backed
Evidence: 2 public source URLs

Before you change production

This page includes public source URLs in the imported troubleshooting record. Compare those references with your version and environment before applying changes.

Reproduce the smallest failing action and save non-secret logs before changing configuration.
Check versions for LiteLLM, related SDKs, package managers, CI runners, and hosting providers.
Change one setting or dependency at a time, then rerun the same failing command or request.
Avoid destructive commands, credential rotation, billing changes, or security relaxations without a rollback plan.

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.

Diagnostic flow for this page

Match malicious litellm_init.pth in litellm 1.82.8 — credential stealer exactly before applying the quick fix.
Compare the failing environment with LiteLLM versions, account scope, provider settings, and deployment context.
Check the listed common causes in order, starting with the cause that best matches your logs.
Use the evidence status below to decide whether to confirm against public sources or official documentation.
Apply one reversible change, rerun the smallest failing action, and keep rollback notes.

FAQ

What does malicious litellm_init.pth in litellm 1.82.8 — credential stealer mean in LiteLLM?

malicious litellm_init.pth in litellm 1.82.8 — credential stealer indicates the workflow described by "LiteLLM Supply Chain Attack — Malicious .pth File Steals Credentials" failed in a LiteLLM context. Start by confirming the exact signature and the component that emitted it.

What should I check first for malicious litellm_init.pth in litellm 1.82.8 — credential stealer?

Check whether this cause matches your environment: 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.

Is the malicious litellm_init.pth in litellm 1.82.8 — credential stealer guidance source-backed?

The "LiteLLM Supply Chain Attack — Malicious .pth File Steals Credentials" page is labeled source-backed. It has 2 public source URLs from github.com, so use that evidence status when deciding how much additional verification you need.

When should I avoid the quick fix for malicious litellm_init.pth in litellm 1.82.8 — credential stealer?

For "LiteLLM Supply Chain Attack — Malicious .pth File Steals Credentials", avoid applying "Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time." when the error text differs, the affected version or provider is different, or the change would touch credentials, billing, DNS, production deploy settings, or irreversible data.

What should I collect before debugging malicious litellm_init.pth in litellm 1.82.8 — credential stealer?

For "LiteLLM Supply Chain Attack — Malicious .pth File Steals Credentials", collect the failing LiteLLM command or request, non-secret configuration, versions, timestamps, request IDs when available, and the smallest reproduction that still triggers the signature.