Secure installs - pip documentation v22.3.1 (2023)

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By default, pip does not perform any checks to protect against remote tampering and involves running arbitrary code from distributions. It is, however, possible to use pip in a manner that changes these behaviours, to provide a more secure installation mechanism.

This can be achieved by doing the following:

Hash-checking Mode#

New in version 8.0.

This mode uses local hashes, embedded in a requirements.txt file, to protect against remote tampering and network issues. These hashes are specified using a --hash per requirement option.

Note that hash-checking is an all-or-nothing proposition. Specifying --hash against any requirement will activate this mode globally.

To add hashes for a package, add them to line as follows:

FooProject == 1.2 \ --hash=sha256:2cf24dba5fb0a30e26e83b2ac5b9e29e1b161e5c1fa7425e73043362938b9824 \ --hash=sha256:486ea46224d1bb4fb680f34f7c9ad96a8f24ec88be73ea8e5a6c65260e9cb8a7
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Additional restrictions#

  • Hashes are required for all requirements.

    This is because a partially-hashed requirements file is of little use and thus likely an error: a malicious actor could slip bad code into the installation via one of the unhashed requirements.

    Note that hashes embedded in URL-style requirements via the #md5=... syntax suffice to satisfy this rule (regardless of hash strength, for legacy reasons), though you should use a stronger hash like sha256 whenever possible.

  • Hashes are required for all dependencies.

    If there is a dependency that is not spelled out and hashed in the requirements file, it will result in an error.

  • Requirements must be pinned (either to a URL, filesystem path or using ==).

    This prevents a surprising hash mismatch upon the release of a new version that matches the requirement specifier.

Forcing Hash-checking mode#

It is possible to force the hash checking mode to be enabled, by passing --require-hashes command-line option.

This can be useful in deploy scripts, to ensure that the author of the requirements file provided hashes. It is also a convenient way to bootstrap your list of hashes, since it shows the hashes of the packages it fetched. It fetches only the preferred archive for each package, so you may still need to add hashes for alternatives archives using pip hash: for instance if there is both a binary and a source distribution.

Hash algorithms#

The recommended hash algorithm at the moment is sha256, but stronger ones are allowed, including all those supported by hashlib. However, weaker ones such as md5, sha1, and sha224 are excluded to avoid giving a false sense of security.

Multiple hashes per package#

It is possible to use multiple hashes for each package. This is important when a package offers binary distributions for a variety of platforms or when it is important to allow both binary and source distributions.

Interaction with caching#

The locally-built wheel cache is disabled in hash-checking mode to prevent spurious hash mismatch errors.

These would otherwise occur while installing sdists that had already been automatically built into cached wheels: those wheels would be selected for installation, but their hashes would not match the sdist ones from the requirements file.

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A further complication is that locally built wheels are nondeterministic: contemporary modification times make their way into the archive, making hashes unpredictable across machines and cache flushes. Compilation of C code adds further nondeterminism, as many compilers include random-seeded values in their output.

However, wheels fetched from index servers are required to be the same every time. They land in pip’s HTTP cache, not its wheel cache, and are used normally in hash-checking mode. The only downside of having the wheel cache disabled is thus extra build time for sdists, and this can be solved by making sure pre-built wheels are available from the index server.

Using hashes from PyPI (or other index servers)#

PyPI (and certain other index servers) provides a hash for the distribution, in the fragment portion of each download URL, like #sha256=123..., which pip checks as a protection against download corruption.

Other hash algorithms that have guaranteed support from hashlib are also supported here: sha1, sha224, sha384, sha256, and sha512. Since this hash originates remotely, it is not a useful guard against tampering and thus does not satisfy the --require-hashes demand that every package have a local hash.

Repeatable installs#

Hash-checking mode also works with pip download and pip wheel. See Repeatable Installs for a comparison of hash-checking mode with other repeatability strategies.

Warning

Beware of the setup_requires keyword arg in setup.py. The (rare) packages that use it will cause those dependencies to be downloaded by setuptools directly, skipping pip’s hash-checking. If you need to use such a package, see controlling setup_requires.

Do not use setuptools directly#

Be careful not to nullify all your security work by installing your actual project by using setuptools’ deprecated interfaces directly: for example, by calling python setup.py install, python setup.py develop, or easy_install.

These will happily go out and download, unchecked, anything you missed in your requirements file and it’s easy to miss things as your project evolves. To be safe, install your project using pip and --no-deps.

Instead of python setup.py install, use:

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$ python -m pip install --no-deps .

$ python -m pip install --no-deps .

C:> py -m pip install --no-deps .

Instead of python setup.py develop, use:

$ python -m pip install --no-deps -e .

$ python -m pip install --no-deps -e .

C:> py -m pip install --no-deps -e .
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FAQs

Is pip install secure? ›

The python package pip-install was scanned for known vulnerabilities and missing license, and no issues were found. Thus the package was deemed as safe to use.

How do you do pip install requirements? ›

Install packages with pip: -r requirements.txt

You can name the configuration file whatever you like, but requirements.txt is often used. Put requirements.txt in the directory where the command will be executed. If it is in another directory, specify its path like path/to/requirements.txt .

What are pip installs? ›

pip is a standard package manager used to install and maintain packages for Python. The Python standard library comes with a collection of built-in functions and built-in packages. Data science packages like scikit-learn and statsmodel are NOT part of the Python standard library.

How do you fix warning there was an error checking the latest version of pip? ›

Solve the Warning: There was an error checking the latest version of pip error. The best way to solve this error is to install or update the pip module to the latest version. Before installing the pip module make sure that all the dependencies for this module should be installed.

How do I know if my pip package is safe? ›

You'll have to audit the package (or get someone else to do that) to know if it's secure. No easy way around it. All pypi packages have md5 signature attached (link in parentheses after the file).

How do you check if pip is installed properly? ›

To check if PIP is already installed on Windows, we should open the command line again, type pip , and press Enter . If PIP is installed, we will receive a long notification explaining the program usage, all the available commands and options.

Where do you do pip installs? ›

To install modules locally, you need to create and activate what is called a virtual environment, so pip install installs to the folder where that virtual environment is located, instead of globally (which may require administrator privileges).

Does pip install require admin? ›

To install Python packages (“eggs”) from the Python language's package manager pip, follow our instructions below. This can be done without Administrator access in a per-user, per-project clean manner with virtualenv. virtualenv is the industry-standard way of developing and running Python.

What pip stands for? ›

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

What is pip used for? ›

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is extra money to help you with everyday life if you've an illness, disability or mental health condition. You can get it on top of Employment and Support Allowance or other benefits. Your income, savings, and whether you're working or not don't affect your eligibility.

Do I need to pip install every time? ›

You don't need to re-install packages each time but you'll need to re-active the environment when you open a new prompt or turn your computer back on.

How do I fix pip problems? ›

A “pip: command not found” error occurs when you fail to properly install the package installer for Python (pip) needed to run Python on your computer. To fix it, you will either need to re-install Python and check the box to add Python to your PATH or install pip on your command line.

Should you always update pip? ›

Whether you're setting up a development environment or writing your Dockerfile , make sure you upgrade pip . Otherwise you'll have a much harder time installing packages.

How do I manually update pip? ›

go to command prompt. and use this command. python -m pip install -–upgrade pip. Dont forget to restart the editor,to avoid any error.

What happens when you phone pip? ›

The DWP will look at your claim and all supporting information. This includes the assessment report, your 'How your disability affects you' form and any other evidence you have provided. Once they have made their decision, they will write to you to tell you if you can get PIP.

What happens when you pip install a package? ›

The pip install <package> command always looks for the latest version of the package and installs it. It also searches for dependencies listed in the package metadata and installs them to ensure that the package has all the requirements that it needs.

How do I see what packages are installed with pip? ›

List Installed Packages with Pip. Both pip list and pip freeze will generate a list of installed packages, just with differently formatted results. Keep in mind that pip list will list ALL installed packages (regardless of how they were installed). while pip freeze will list only everything installed by Pip.

What is current version of pip? ›

Pip 22.0. 4. pip install pip is the latest version, and it was released on 06th March 2022.

What is the difference between pip install and import? ›

The Python pip utility is used to install a module, but the import command is used to actually import the module. Python includes some built-in standard modules. These modules are part of the Python Standard Library, also known as the Library Reference.

Can I install Python packages without pip? ›

Most Python packages are now designed to be compatible with Python's pip package manager. But if you have a package that is not compatible with pip, you'll need manually install Python packages.

How do I manually install Python packages without pip? ›

How to install Python libraries without using the pip command ?
  1. Downloading the package files from pypi.org. Go to https://pypi.org/ and search for the package that you want. From Navigation menu on left side, click on Download files. ...
  2. Installing downloaded python package. Extract all the files from . tar.
Dec 19, 2020

Do I need sudo for pip? ›

Never use sudo to install with pip. This is the same as running a virus as root. Either add your local folder to your PATH or use a virtualenv.

Can pip install from local directory? ›

Install the downloaded package into a local directory : python get-pip.py --user This will install pip to your local directory (. local/bin) . Now you may navigate to this directory (cd . local/bin) and then use pip or better set your $PATH variable this directory to use pip anywhere : PATH=$PATH:~/.

Is pip installed by default on Windows? ›

PIP is automatically installed with Python 2.7.9+ and Python 3.4+ and it comes with the virtualenv and pyvenv virtual environments. Before you install PIP on Windows, check if PIP is already installed. 1.

What are the 2 types of PIP? ›

PIP is made up of 2 parts - called 'components'. The 'daily living component' is for the extra help you need with everyday tasks. This can include preparing food, washing, getting dressed or communicating with other people. The 'mobility component' is for the extra help you need getting around.

How does the PIP process work? ›

To claim PIP , you need to:
  1. Call to start your claim. You'll then be sent a form that asks about your condition.
  2. Complete and return the form.
  3. You might need to have an assessment, if more information is needed.

What is a PIP for beginners? ›

PRICE INTEREST POINT (PIP)

A pip is the price move in a given exchange rate. Understanding the change in value helps traders to enter, or edit orders to manage their trading strategy.

Should I accept a PIP? ›

The short answer to that question is yes, you should sign your PIP. To make sure that management cannot use these characterizations against you later, write below your signature something like “I sign only to acknowledge receipt of this document.”

Does pip uninstall remove everything? ›

You can use pip uninstall -y -r <(pip freeze) to do everything in one go.

Can you get a virus from pip? ›

Researchers have discovered yet another set of malicious packages in PyPi, the official and most popular repository for Python programs and code libraries. Those duped by the seemingly familiar packages could be subject to malware downloads or theft of user credentials and passwords.

Are Python packages secure? ›

It's important to note that Snyk's data about the Python ecosystem, as well as academic research, shows that Python is no more (or less) secure than other widely used languages.

What happens when you pip install something? ›

The pip install <package> command always looks for the latest version of the package and installs it. It also searches for dependencies listed in the package metadata and installs them to ensure that the package has all the requirements that it needs.

Can Python libraries contain malware? ›

Though most PyPI libraries are safe, malicious software can also spread in the repository if unchecked. Open-source contributors and volunteers look over most of the open-source libraries on PyPI, but some of these libraries can be missed leaving room for malicious code to crawl in.

Can Pip be taken away from you? ›

If the DWP says you've had an overpayment, it means you've been paid too much PIP - or another benefit. The DWP will reduce your PIP until they've taken back the overpayment.

Can Pip follow you? ›

DWP could be monitoring your private life without consent if you're on Universal Credit, PIP or State Pension.

What pops up when you get a virus on your phone? ›

If your phone does have a virus, you'll notice some changes in its behavior. A typical sign is the sudden existence of poor performance issues. Your phone might slow down when you try to open its browser or another app. Other times, you'll notice some apps behaving suspiciously.

What are the risks of using Python? ›

Injections and Arbitrary Command Execution

Injection flaws allow an attacker to deliver malicious code through an application to a backend or internal system. Injection vulnerabilities are common in Python, and come in several types such as command injection and SQL injection.

Do hackers know Python? ›

Besides the given reasons, Python is the most loved programming language used by hackers since it's an open-source language which means that hackers can use the stuff that other hackers have previously made. Besides being free and high-level language, it also comes with a bank of genius support.

How do I make Python more secure? ›

By virtue of its popularity, more are the chances that a weak python program is a reason for a security breach
  1. Update the Python version frequently. ...
  2. Be cautious while sharing. ...
  3. Ensure the inputs are sanitized. ...
  4. Use prepared statements. ...
  5. Go virtual for Python programming. ...
  6. Do not share your secrets.
Jul 12, 2022

How does pip know what packages are installed? ›

As we mentioned already, pip uses PyPI as its default source from which it retrieves packages. pip search command is used to search the index and identify packages that match the search terms. For example, python3 -m pip search pandas will return all the packages that satisfy the search term pandas .

Can Python make viruses? ›

That said, it is still possible to write computer viruses in Python, and in this article, you will have a practical demonstration.

Which famous malware was written in Python? ›

The SeaDuke malware is a Python trojan that was made into a Windows executable using PyInstaller and packed with UPX. The Python source code was obfuscated to make the code more difficult for analysts to read.

Which Python library is used for cyber security? ›

Nmap. Nmap is an open-source tool analyser that is widely used in cybersecurity. This library enables you to integrate Nmap with your Python scripts, allowing you to leverage Nmap's capabilities to scan hosts and then interact with the results within your Python script.

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