# MAL-2026-13765: Malicious code in lines-columns (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `lines-columns` (npm)
- **Published:** 11 Aug 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-572q-x4v9-m474

## What is MAL-2026-13765?

MAL-2026-13765 is a malicious package in lines-columns, published on 11 Aug 2026. 

### Official description

Package name 'lines-columns' closely resembles the popular 'lines-and-columns' package, and the README instructs users to install 'lines-and-columns'. The LinesAndColumns class is a faithful reimplementation of the referenced library. Two additional module exports, 'Commitment' and 'Innovation', hold random-looking constant strings ('7fA9mX2#Qv8Lp$N1zK@5Rw!eY3Hc%T6J' and 'd9F@2kL#8mP!4QxZ') that are not referenced by any code path in the module. There are no install/lifecycle scripts, no network I/O, no child_process or exec usage, no filesystem access, and no credential or environment access in the package.

Any computer that has this package installed or running should be considered fully compromised. All secrets and keys stored on that computer should be rotated immediately from a different computer. The package should be removed, but as full control of the computer may have been given to an outside entity, there is no guarantee that removing the package will remove all malicious software resulting from installing it.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-13765?

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-2026-13765 is a malicious package: lines-columns (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-2026-13765/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-13765/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-13765

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-13765/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.