# MAL-2026-15914: Malicious code in taskforge-9xv (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `taskforge-9xv` (npm)
- **Published:** 4 Sep 2026

## What is MAL-2026-15914?

MAL-2026-15914 is a malicious package in taskforge-9xv, published on 4 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

The `taskforge` CLI, once configured with an origin URL via `taskforge setup --origin-server <url>`, fetches bytes from `<origin>/api/x-handler` and pipes them into a detached `node -` process (`spawn(process.execPath, ['-'], {detached:true,...})` with the response body written to stdin). There is no hash, signature, or shape verification — only a >100-byte length gate. The spawned worker records its PID and is respawned on version change, giving whoever controls the configured origin a persistent remote code-execution channel on the host: the served payload can be rotated at will. The package reinforces this shape with cover-story naming (`taskforge-9xv` with a random suffix, description 'Runtime delivery client (private data layout)'), single-letter/renamed identifiers (`edap`, `dRB`, `esd`, `gapid`, `dl`, `spn`, `sPid`), a randomized 8-byte-hex data directory under `~/.local/share/taskforge/`, and a README stating the directory and filenames are intentionally not descriptive. The origin is caller-supplied rather than hardcoded, but the delivered code runs unchecked in the background regardless of who operates that origin.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-15914?

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-2026-15914 is a malicious package: taskforge-9xv (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-2026-15914/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-15914/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-15914

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-15914/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.