# MAL-2026-12786: Malicious code in dust-helpers (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `dust-helpers` (npm)
- **Published:** 5 Aug 2026

## What is MAL-2026-12786?

MAL-2026-12786 is a malicious package in dust-helpers, published on 5 Aug 2026. 

### Official description

On `npm install`, the package's `preinstall` script runs `node callback.js`, which collects `os.hostname()`, `os.userInfo().username`, `process.cwd()`, `npm_config_registry`, and multiple CI repository-slug environment variables (GITHUB_REPOSITORY, CI_PROJECT_PATH, BUILD_REPOSITORY_NAME, and similar) and sends them as query-string parameters in an HTTP GET to the hardcoded endpoint `http://75.119.137.232:31337/depconfuse`. The package is published at version `9999.0.0` with a generic description and the exfil path is literally `/depconfuse`, matching the dependency-confusion reconnaissance pattern: publish a very-high-version squat of an internal-sounding name to the public registry so private builds that misresolve pick it up and identify themselves to the attacker. Installer identity, working directory, internal registry URL, and internal repository slugs leave the host to an attacker-controlled bare-IP endpoint at install time, enabling targeted follow-on supply-chain intrusion against the affected organization.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-12786?

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-2026-12786 is a malicious package: dust-helpers (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-2026-12786/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-12786/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-12786

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-12786/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.