# MAL-2026-14238: Malicious code in gaarf-node (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `gaarf-node` (npm)
- **Published:** 19 Aug 2026

## What is MAL-2026-14238?

MAL-2026-14238 is a malicious package in gaarf-node, published on 19 Aug 2026. 

### Official description

The package's postinstall script runs automatically on npm install and collects host identifiers (os.hostname(), platform, arch, node version, package name, npm lifecycle event) and POSTs them as JSON to the hardcoded remote host ze0buq23.instances.poc.jchunt.top at path /gaarf-node. The package name impersonates Google's ads-api-report-fetcher (gaarf) project referenced in source.txt, while package.json self-labels as a `Security research canary`. The destination domain is unrelated to the impersonated Google project, and the outbound beacon fires with no user consent as a lifecycle side effect of installation.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-14238?

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-2026-14238 is a malicious package: gaarf-node (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-2026-14238/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-14238/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-14238

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-14238/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.