# MAL-2026-13481: Malicious code in cdf-tag-commander-helper (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `cdf-tag-commander-helper` (npm)
- **Published:** 6 Aug 2026

## What is MAL-2026-13481?

MAL-2026-13481 is a malicious package in cdf-tag-commander-helper, published on 6 Aug 2026. 

### Official description

The preinstall lifecycle script in cdf-tag-commander-helper@3.6.2 runs automatically on `npm install`. It executes `whoami` and `hostname`, retrieves the machine's public IP via ifconfig.me, and issues a plain-HTTP GET to a hardcoded Interactsh-style out-of-band callback subdomain (kwphewvexhjbtfduscqybx6q7c862eh0g.oast.fun), passing the three values as query parameters. The README states that the package makes no network requests, which contradicts the shipped code. The behavior is a reconnaissance beacon consistent with dependency-confusion targeting: on install, an attacker learns which internal build hosts and user accounts have resolved this package name.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-13481?

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-2026-13481 is a malicious package: cdf-tag-commander-helper (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-2026-13481/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-13481/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-13481

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-13481/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.