# MAL-2026-10045: Malicious code in chai-as-sharpened (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `chai-as-sharpened` (npm)
- **Published:** 9 Jul 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-wm45-4mwq-2pg6

## What is MAL-2026-10045?

MAL-2026-10045 is a malicious package in chai-as-sharpened, published on 9 Jul 2026. 

### Official description

On require, the package spawns a detached background `node` process running `lib/initializeCaller.js`. That script base64-decodes a hardcoded URL (https://tomato-brunhilda-40.tiiny.site/index.json), fetches JSON from it, and executes the returned `cookie` field through `new Function.constructor('require', response)(require)` — giving the remote payload full `require` access on the installer's host. The endpoint URL and request header key/value are hidden inside base64 strings assigned to a locally-shadowed `process.env` object and decoded via `atob()` at runtime, obfuscating the C2 destination. The package additionally impersonates two well-known libraries: the name `chai-as-sharpened` mimics `chai-as-promised`, and the README badges/links point to `pino` and `pinojs/pino`, using name confusion as the delivery vector. Import triggers unconditional RCE against any consumer.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-10045?

Remove the package from your dependencies and lockfiles, then rotate any secrets on machines where it was installed.

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
MAL-2026-10045 is a malicious package: chai-as-sharpened (npm). Every version was published to cause harm.

Task:
1. Search this repository's dependency manifests and lockfiles for the package, including transitive dependencies.
2. If it is present, remove it, regenerate the lockfile with the project's package manager, and replace whatever it was used for.
3. List any CI runners, developer machines or containers that installed it, so their secrets can be rotated.
4. If the package is not used anywhere, say so and change nothing.

Reference: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-10045/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-10045/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-10045

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-10045/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.