diff --git a/tools/requirements.txt b/tools/requirements.txt
index b23ca4fb..61249c09 100644
--- a/tools/requirements.txt
+++ b/tools/requirements.txt
@@ -6,3 +6,6 @@ isledecomp
 pystache
 pyyaml
 git+https://github.com/wbenny/pydemangler.git
+# requirement of capstone due to python dropping distutils.
+# see: https://github.com/capstone-engine/capstone/issues/2223
+setuptools ; python_version >= "3.12"
\ No newline at end of file