# MAL-2026-12796: Malicious code in messenger-style (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `messenger-style` (npm)
- **Published:** 5 Aug 2026

## What is MAL-2026-12796?

MAL-2026-12796 is a malicious package in messenger-style, published on 5 Aug 2026. 

### Official description

The package's preinstall hook runs `node index.js`, which collects host identifiers (`os.hostname()`, `os.userInfo().username`, home directory, DNS servers) and reads `/etc/passwd` and `/etc/hosts` from the installer's machine, then POSTs the collected data over HTTPS to the hardcoded host `pkdzrreksftymvx4d0o5olnxiooic80x.oastify.com` (a Burp Collaborator out-of-band interaction domain). The package name suggests a messaging utility, but no such functionality is present — the sole behavior on `npm install` is host reconnaissance and exfiltration to an attacker-controlled OAST endpoint.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-12796?

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-2026-12796 is a malicious package: messenger-style (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-2026-12796/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-12796/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-12796

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-12796/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.