# MAL-2026-13989: Malicious code in @secauditb20y/sec-test-r3b (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `@secauditb20y/sec-test-r3b` (npm)
- **Published:** 13 Aug 2026

## What is MAL-2026-13989?

MAL-2026-13989 is a malicious package in @secauditb20y/sec-test-r3b, published on 13 Aug 2026. 

### Official description

package.json declares a postinstall script that runs `node -e` to invoke fs.writeFileSync, creating /tmp/PWN_R3REAL/FIRED on the installer's machine when the package is installed. The package's main module only exports the literal value 42 and ships no native build or legitimate reason for install-time execution; the postinstall exists solely to demonstrate arbitrary code execution on the installer host at `npm install` time. The behavior fires automatically on default install and writes to a path outside the package directory, matching the shape of a proof-of-execution beacon. The package name and description self-identify as an authorized security test, but self-labeling is not a mitigation and the code path is functionally identical to a dropper marker.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-13989?

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-2026-13989 is a malicious package: @secauditb20y/sec-test-r3b (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-2026-13989/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-13989/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-13989

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-13989/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.