# MAL-2026-16380: Malicious code in chai-logger (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `chai-logger` (npm)
- **Published:** 22 Sep 2026

## What is MAL-2026-16380?

MAL-2026-16380 is a malicious package in chai-logger, published on 22 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

The package presents itself as a Chai logging plugin but its main entry `index.js` requires `./lib/query.js`, a ~4 MB obfuscator.io-encoded module (23,868-entry rotated string array, T/j decoder wrappers, hex-property indirection) that executes at the top level as soon as the package is required. The remaining files under `lib/` (proto.js, levels.js, tools.js, etc.) are verbatim copies of pino source, unrelated to the advertised Chai plugin API — a cover story around the obfuscated blob. `package.json` declares `axios ^1.10.0` as a runtime dependency, and the only reference to axios in the shipped code is inside the obfuscated body of `lib/query.js`, giving the payload an HTTP client whose destination is reconstructed at runtime from the rotated string array. Author metadata points to `jsonspack.com`, unrelated to Chai or pino. The combination of import-time execution of a heavily obfuscated payload, a mismatched cover story, copied third-party source used as filler, and an HTTP client declared only for use inside the obfuscated code is the canonical npm credential/data-stealer shape.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-16380?

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-2026-16380 is a malicious package: chai-logger (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-2026-16380/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16380/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-16380

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16380/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.