# MAL-2026-15561: Malicious code in techportal (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `techportal` (npm)
- **Published:** 29 Aug 2026

## What is MAL-2026-15561?

MAL-2026-15561 is a malicious package in techportal, published on 29 Aug 2026. 

### Official description

package.json declares a preinstall hook (`node beacon.js`) that fires automatically on `npm install`. beacon.js reads os.hostname(), os.userInfo().username, and process.cwd(), base32-encodes them, and issues an HTTP GET to a hardcoded bare-IP callback URL http://45.76.249.245/beacon/<token>/techportal/4.0.10, carrying the values in X-Bug-Bounty-Host, X-Bug-Bounty-User, and X-Bug-Bounty-Path headers. If the HTTP beacon fails or times out, the same identifiers are packed as base32-encoded DNS subdomain labels and queried (resolve4/resolve6/resolveTxt) against three hardcoded `*.oob.asm5.net` collector domains, providing a DNS-tunneling channel that bypasses HTTP egress controls. Destination is not caller-configurable and there is no install-time opt-in. Self-labeling of the beacon as an authorized bug bounty or dual-use tool does not change the data flow: installer host identity leaves the installer's machine on `npm install` to hardcoded attacker-operated infrastructure.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-15561?

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-2026-15561 is a malicious package: techportal (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-2026-15561/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-15561/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-15561

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-15561/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.