# MAL-2026-16328: Malicious code in catwrestlinghuman (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `catwrestlinghuman` (npm)
- **Published:** 21 Sep 2026

## What is MAL-2026-16328?

MAL-2026-16328 is a malicious package in catwrestlinghuman, published on 21 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

package.json declares a postinstall hook `node index.js`. index.js is a 111KB blob composed exclusively of the JSFuck character set (`[]()!+`), which decodes at runtime via `Function(<decoded string>)()` to arbitrary JavaScript. A sibling file extension.js (126KB) uses the same JSFuck encoding, indicating a multi-stage opaque payload. The package has no description, no author, and no dependencies, and ships no readable source — the JSFuck encoding is exclusively an obfuscation technique used to hide executable code from scanners and reviewers. Installing this package causes automatic execution of the opaque payload on the installer's machine during `npm install`.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-16328?

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-2026-16328 is a malicious package: catwrestlinghuman (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-2026-16328/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16328/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-16328

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16328/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.