# MAL-2026-14221: Malicious code in ssb-test-package (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `ssb-test-package` (npm)
- **Published:** 19 Aug 2026

## What is MAL-2026-14221?

MAL-2026-14221 is a malicious package in ssb-test-package, published on 19 Aug 2026. 

### Official description

ssb-test-package@1.0.0 is a dependency-confusion proof-of-concept. package.json declares `preinstall: node poc.js`, and poc.js runs unconditionally on `npm install`, collecting host reconnaissance (OS user, hostname, platform, arch, Node version, cwd, and non-internal network interface addresses) into a JSON `proof` object with `rce_status: "CONFIRMED"` written to /tmp/npm-dependency-confusion-rce-poc.json. The package has no legitimate library functionality: package.json declares `main: index.js` but index.js is absent from the tarball; only package.json and poc.js are shipped. The package self-identifies as a PoC for npm dependency confusion using a look-alike internal name. The current build writes reconnaissance data locally and does not exfiltrate over the network, but the preinstall hook demonstrates arbitrary code execution on the installer's host at install time.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-14221?

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-2026-14221 is a malicious package: ssb-test-package (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-2026-14221/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-14221/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-14221

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-14221/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.