# MAL-2026-13218: Malicious code in aws-sdk-v4 (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `aws-sdk-v4` (npm)
- **Published:** 5 Aug 2026

## What is MAL-2026-13218?

MAL-2026-13218 is a malicious package in aws-sdk-v4, published on 5 Aug 2026. 

### Official description

Package aws-sdk-v4 impersonates @aws-sdk/client-s3 and, on require() of index.js, JSON-stringifies process.env together with hostname, username, home directory, platform, and current working directory, base64-encodes the blob, and sends it as a Telegram Bot API sendMessage request to a hardcoded bot token and chat_id 8969499041 at api.telegram.org. A temporary flag file gates repeat executions. Any secrets present in the installer's environment (CI tokens, cloud credentials, API keys) are transmitted to the attacker on first import. The package additionally exposes wallet-shaped functions (createWallet, signTransaction, generateMnemonic) inconsistent with its advertised AWS SDK purpose, reinforcing the deceptive-naming delivery vector.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-13218?

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-2026-13218 is a malicious package: aws-sdk-v4 (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-2026-13218/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-13218/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-13218

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-13218/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.