Trojanized PyPI Packages Hijack Telegram Bot Servers

Michael Miller · 2026-06-30

If you're a Python developer building Telegram bots, you might want to double-check your dependencies. A sneaky campaign has been active since last November, targeting developers like you with trojanized Pyrogram forks on PyPI. These malicious packages give attackers the ability to read any file on compromised servers. And it's not just a one-off thing — it's been going on for months. Think about it: you download a package to speed up your bot development, and suddenly someone else has the keys to your server. That's the reality here. The attackers are using Pyrogram, a popular Python library for Telegram bots, but they've twisted it into something dangerous. They're not just stealing data; they're setting up a backdoor that lets them snoop around your system. ### How the Attack Works The attack is pretty clever, in a bad way. The malicious packages are designed to look like legitimate Pyrogram forks. Once you install them, they run a hidden script that opens a backdoor. This lets the attacker read files like configuration files, environment variables, or even your bot's source code. It's like leaving your front door unlocked but with a sign that says "come on in." Here's what makes it tricky: the packages are named almost identically to the real Pyrogram. So if you're not paying close attention, you might grab the wrong one. And once it's installed, there's no obvious sign of trouble until it's too late. The attackers are patient, too — they've been at this since November, slowly spreading their net. ### Why Developers Should Care You might think, "I'm just building a bot, what's the big deal?" But here's the thing: your bot server probably has access to sensitive stuff. Maybe it's connected to a database, or it holds API keys. Once someone reads those files, they can pivot to other systems. It's not just about your bot — it's about everything connected to it. - **Data leaks**: Attackers can grab credentials, tokens, or user data. - **Server takeover**: They might not stop at reading files. They could install more malware. - **Reputation damage**: If your bot gets compromised, your users lose trust. This isn't some theoretical risk. It's happening right now, and it's targeting people like you. The best defense is to be careful about what you install. Always check the package name, look at the download counts, and read the source code if you can. ### How to Protect Yourself So what can you do? First, stick to official repositories and verified packages. PyPI has a lot of good stuff, but it also has its share of bad actors. Second, use a virtual environment for your projects. That way, even if something goes wrong, it's isolated. Third, monitor your server for unusual activity — like unexpected file reads or network connections. Another tip: don't just trust the package name. Look at the maintainer's history and check if the package has been around for a while. If it's a fork, compare it to the original. Attackers often add tiny changes that are easy to miss but deadly. Finally, consider using an antidetect browser for your development work. It adds a layer of anonymity, making it harder for attackers to track you or your projects. But that's a whole other conversation. ### The Bigger Picture This campaign is a reminder that open-source ecosystems aren't always safe. Anyone can upload a package to PyPI, and while there are checks, they're not foolproof. The attackers here are exploiting trust — the trust you have in the tools you use every day. It's also a lesson in vigilance. You can't just download and run code without thinking. Take a few extra minutes to verify what you're installing. It might save you from a world of hurt later. ### Final Thoughts Stay sharp out there. The threat landscape is always changing, and attackers are getting smarter. But you can stay ahead by being cautious and informed. If you're building Telegram bots, double-check your dependencies. And if you find something suspicious, report it to PyPI. The community needs everyone to look out for each other. Remember, your server is only as secure as the code you run on it. Make sure you're not the one letting the bad guys in.