# MAL-2026-12339: Malicious code in async-mutex-hook (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `async-mutex-hook` (npm)
- **Published:** 5 Aug 2026

## What is MAL-2026-12339?

MAL-2026-12339 is a malicious package in async-mutex-hook, published on 5 Aug 2026. 

### Official description

Package is published under the name async-mutex-hook and self-describes as a Promise-based mutex library, but ships no mutex implementation. Its exported getPlugin function issues an HTTPS request to the hardcoded bare-IP endpoint https://46.183.25.232:45000/icons/108 and passes the response's `credits` field to `new Function('require','module','exports',...,'Promise', data.credits)`, executing attacker-controlled JavaScript with full Node.js privileges (require, process, Buffer, and shipped dependencies injected). The declared dependencies (@primno/dpapi for Windows DPAPI, better-sqlite3/sqlite3 for browser cookie and login databases, node-machine-id) are unrelated to any mutex functionality and are the standard building blocks for browser-credential and DPAPI theft, matching the capability the remote payload would need to invoke on the installer's host.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-12339?

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-2026-12339 is a malicious package: async-mutex-hook (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-2026-12339/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-12339/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-12339

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-12339/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.