# GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp: Malicious Package in commander-js

> Malicious npm package executes arbitrary code upon installation, requiring immediate system compromise assessment and credential rotation.

- **Severity:** Not scored
- **Exploited in the wild:** Not known
- **Login needed:** Not needed
- **Attackable:** Over the internet
- **Victim action needed:** A user has to click or open something
- **Fix available:** No
- **Published:** 2 Sep 2020

## What is GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp?

GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp is a vulnerability in commander-js, published on 2 Sep 2020. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

### Official description

All versions of `commander-js` are considered malicious. The package is malware designed to take advantage of users making a mistake when typing the name of a module to install. When installed, the package downloads an arbitrary file and executes its contents as a post-install script.

## Recommendation

This package is not available on the npm Registry anymore. If you happen to find this package in your environment you should consider the system it was installed on compromised and assess if further response (such as rotating all credentials found on the compromised machine) is necessary.

## Which versions are affected by GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp?

2 open source packages ship an affected version, including commander-js.


| Package | Ecosystem | Affected | Fixed in |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `commander-js` | npm | From 0.0.0 | None |
| `commander-js` | npm | From 0.0.0 | None |

## How do I fix GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp?

No fix has been published for GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

## Is GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp in the wild and no public exploit code.

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
Check this codebase for GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp and fix it if it is affected.

What it is: GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp is a vulnerability in commander-js, published on 2 Sep 2020. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Exploitation: There is no known exploitation of GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp in the wild and no public exploit code.

Affected packages and fixed versions:
- commander-js (npm): affected from 0.0.0; no fix listed
- commander-js (npm): affected from 0.0.0; no fix listed

Task:
1. Search the dependency manifests and lockfiles (for example package.json, package-lock.json, requirements.txt, poetry.lock, uv.lock, pom.xml, build.gradle, go.mod, Cargo.lock, Gemfile.lock) and any Dockerfiles for the affected packages, including transitive dependencies.
2. If an affected version is in use, upgrade it to the fixed version for its release line with the project's package manager, so the lockfile is regenerated. Prefer the smallest upgrade that fixes it.
3. If there is no fix, or the upgrade would break the build, do not guess: explain the risk and the safest workaround instead.
4. Run the tests and summarise what changed and why.
5. If nothing in the project is affected, say so and change nothing.

Reference: https://insights.sbomify.com/GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/GHSA-2hqf-qqmq-pgpp/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.