# MAL-2026-13073: Malicious code in boxy-mops (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `boxy-mops` (npm)
- **Published:** 5 Aug 2026

## What is MAL-2026-13073?

MAL-2026-13073 is a malicious package in boxy-mops, published on 5 Aug 2026. 

### Official description

On require(), boxy-mops loads _compat.js, which assembles attacker-controlled hostnames from split string fragments (resolving to oob-worker.cf1XX-XXX.workers.dev and the *.dl.wel1.ru family: sdk.dl.wel1.ru, ext.dl.wel1.ru, pkg.dl.wel1.ru, net.dl.wel1.ru), performs an HTTPS GET for a platform-specific binary, writes the bytes under disguised names (.cache_<hex> on Unix, dotnet_diag_<hex>.exe on Windows) into /tmp or %TEMP%, chmods the file 0755, and detach-spawns it via /bin/sh -c or cmd.exe /c start with unref(). A DNS TXT chunked fallback channel is present for exfiltration/instruction retrieval when HTTPS is blocked. Runtime string reconstruction is used to hide destination hosts from static inspection; a DISABLE_TELEMETRY / DO_NOT_TRACK environment guard suppresses execution on analyst machines; a /tmp/.analytics_state cache stamp gates repeat runs. The advertised 'telemetry/analytics' framing does not match the observed behavior — the package fetches and executes opaque non-publisher binaries on the installer's host at import time.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-13073?

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-2026-13073 is a malicious package: boxy-mops (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-2026-13073/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-13073/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-13073

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-13073/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.