# MAL-2026-16220: Malicious code in jexkcode (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `jexkcode` (npm)
- **Published:** 16 Sep 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-j72h-3h5h-43v5

## What is MAL-2026-16220?

MAL-2026-16220 is a malicious package in jexkcode, published on 16 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

Versions 1.0.1 through 1.1.4 of jexkcode automatically follow a hard-coded WhatsApp newsletter whenever a WhatsApp connection opens. The package waits three seconds and calls newsletterFollow without obtaining user consent or exposing a configuration option. The README advertises newsletter support but does not disclose this automatic account modification. Versions through 1.1.1 used a malformed newsletter JID; version 1.1.2 corrected it. Subsequent commits removed both failure and success logs, so version 1.1.4 performs the automatic follow without visible output. This behavior is unrelated to the package's stated functionality and modifies the user's WhatsApp account without authorization.

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-2026-16220?

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-2026-16220 is a malicious package: jexkcode (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-2026-16220/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16220/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-16220

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16220/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.