Cyber Alert: 67 Trojanized GitHub Repositories Targeting Gamers and Developers Uncovered

TL;DR

Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a campaign where 67 GitHub repositories, claiming to offer Python-based hacking tools, actually deliver trojanized payloads. This operation, named “Banana Squad” by ReversingLabs, is an extension of a previous rogue Python campaign identified in 2023. The campaign primarily targets gamers and developers, highlighting the evolving tactics of threat actors exploiting open-source platforms.

Cyber Alert: 67 Trojanized GitHub Repositories Targeting Gamers and Developers Uncovered

Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a new campaign in which threat actors have published more than 67 GitHub repositories. These repositories claim to offer Python-based hacking tools but deliver trojanized payloads instead. The activity, codenamed “Banana Squad” by ReversingLabs, is assessed to be a continuation of a rogue Python campaign identified in 2023. This campaign primarily targets the Python Package Index (PyPI) ecosystem, emphasizing the evolving tactics of threat actors in exploiting open-source platforms.

Key Findings

• 67 Trojanized Repositories: The campaign involves 67 GitHub repositories that masquerade as legitimate Python hacking tools.
• Target Audience: Primarily gamers and developers who are likely to search for and download such tools.
• Trojanized Payloads: Instead of providing the promised tools, the repositories deliver malicious payloads.
• Continuation of Previous Campaign: This activity is linked to a rogue Python campaign from 2023, indicating a sustained effort by the threat actors.

Implications for Cybersecurity

The discovery of this campaign underscores the need for vigilance in the open-source community. Developers and users must be cautious when downloading tools from GitHub and other repositories. The use of trojanized payloads highlights the sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals to infiltrate systems and exfiltrate data.

Recommendations

• Verify Source Authenticity: Always verify the authenticity of the source before downloading any tools or libraries.
• Use Reputable Repositories: Stick to well-known and reputable repositories for downloading tools.
• Regular Updates: Keep your systems and software up-to-date to mitigate vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

The “Banana Squad” campaign serves as a reminder of the persistent threats in the cybersecurity landscape. As threat actors continue to evolve their tactics, it is crucial for developers and users to stay informed and proactive in their security measures. By remaining vigilant and adopting best practices, the community can collectively enhance its defenses against such malicious activities.

For more details, visit the full article: source¹.

Additional Resources

For further insights, check:

• ReversingLabs Official Website
• GitHub Security Best Practices

References

1. (2025). “67 Trojanized GitHub Repositories Found in Campaign Targeting Gamers and Developers”. The Hacker News. Retrieved 2025-06-20. ↩︎