# MAL-2026-16156: Malicious code in get-power (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `get-power` (npm)
- **Published:** 14 Sep 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-3g9w-hfq8-vr7p

## What is MAL-2026-16156?

MAL-2026-16156 is a malicious package in get-power, published on 14 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

get-power impersonates ljharb's get-proto utility (package.json declares author 'Jordan Harband <ljharb@gmail.com>' and homepage github.com/ljharb/get-power) while mirroring get-proto's file layout as cover. On require(), index.js base64-decodes two bundled files disguised as sourcemaps (parse.ts.map, init.ts.map) into parsetmp.js and config.js, require()s parsetmp.js, then fs.unlink()s all four files to erase traces. The decoded payload fetches an AES-256-CBC encrypted blob from https://www.jsonkeeper.com/b/V6NBX via axios, decrypts it with a hardcoded password/salt, and eval()s the plaintext. Whoever controls that paste has arbitrary code execution on any host that installs and loads the package.

Any computer that has this package installed or running should be considered fully compromised. All secrets and keys stored on that computer should be rotated immediately from a different computer. The package should be removed, but as full control of the computer may have been given to an outside entity, there is no guarantee that removing the package will remove all malicious software resulting from installing it.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-16156?

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-2026-16156 is a malicious package: get-power (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-2026-16156/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16156/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-16156

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16156/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.