# MAL-2026-16297: Malicious code in keroeltop (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `keroeltop` (npm)
- **Published:** 18 Sep 2026

## What is MAL-2026-16297?

MAL-2026-16297 is a malicious package in keroeltop, published on 18 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

keroeltop@99.99.99 is a lure package whose index.js runs on every npm lifecycle phase (preinstall/install/postinstall/prepare) and issues an HTTP request to the hardcoded endpoint https://eo8f3m3ho26a0nm.m.pipedream.net/<packages>?h=<hostname>, transmitting the installer's os.hostname() to an attacker-controlled Pipedream webhook. The version number 99.99.99 is the canonical dependency-confusion resolution-winning shape used to override an internal package name. The package additionally declares a dependency on `requests@^0.3.0` (an npm name resembling `request`) and requires it at the top of index.js, causing whatever bytes resolve for that name to be fetched and loaded transitively at install time. No legitimate functionality is present.

The OpenSSF Package Analysis project identified 'keroeltop' @ 99.99.99 (npm) as malicious.

It is considered malicious because:

- The package communicates with a domain associated with malicious activity.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-16297?

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-2026-16297 is a malicious package: keroeltop (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-2026-16297/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16297/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-16297

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16297/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.