Malware targeting python library litellm spreads rapidly, experts warn of widespread threat

A dangerous new malware has been spotted exploiting a popular Python library, LiteLLM, which allows users to interact with AI language models. The malicious version can gain full access to an infected computer in mere seconds.

Litellm's unprecedented vulnerability

LiteLLM, with over 40,000 GitHub stars, has become the preferred tool for hackers due to its simplicity and unified interface for sending compatibility requests to OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and other providers. However, its extreme vulnerability makes it a prime target.

On March 24, 2026, a user published version 1.82.8 of LiteLLM on PyPI, containing a malicious file named