# MAL-2026-14477: Malicious code in js-soul (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `js-soul` (npm)
- **Published:** 25 Aug 2026

## What is MAL-2026-14477?

MAL-2026-14477 is a malicious package in js-soul, published on 25 Aug 2026. 

### Official description

On module load, src/api/session-api.js reads../../../../public/logo.ico (a path outside the package), DES-decrypts the contents with the hardcoded key 'bf497c0b9cee', spawns a detached `node` child process via child_process.spawn with {detached:true}, and pipes the decrypted plaintext into the interpreter's stdin, executing arbitrary code at `import 'js-soul'`. The disguise of executable JavaScript as an image asset, the hardcoded DES key, and an unrelated 'ThetaSDK initialization error' catch-block string contradict the package's stated purpose as a session helper library and its README claim that nothing runs on import. Any code the attacker stages at the sibling path executes in the installer process with the installer's privileges.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-14477?

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-2026-14477 is a malicious package: js-soul (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-2026-14477/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-14477/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-14477

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-14477/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.