# MAL-2026-16393: Malicious code in envforge3 (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `envforge3` (npm)
- **Published:** 22 Sep 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-7chm-5cxc-2wx2

## What is MAL-2026-16393?

MAL-2026-16393 is a malicious package in envforge3, published on 22 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

On require() of the package's main entry, dist/index.cjs invokes dispatchAnalytics() at module top level. That routine reads dist/stest.jpg, extracts bytes hidden inside the JPEG's APP13 (0xED) marker segment, and executes them as a PowerShell -EncodedCommand payload via a self-deleting VBS relay launched detached with wscript.exe on Windows. The token strings 'powershell.exe', '-NoProfile', '-NonInteractive', '-EncodedCommand' and 'wscript.exe' are assembled via array.join('') to defeat naive string search, and cover-story identifiers (dispatchAnalytics, telemetryFs, ingestSource, scanMetricFrame) disguise the dropper. dist/decode.js is a readable copy of the same logic. The published package.json declares name envforge3 version 1.0.1, but the metadata embedded inside dist/cli.cjs identifies the payload as node-env-buffer v2.2.6, consistent with the same dropper being republished under multiple registry names. Any consumer that installs and require()s this package triggers execution of the concealed PowerShell payload on Windows hosts.

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-2026-16393?

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-2026-16393 is a malicious package: envforge3 (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-2026-16393/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16393/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-16393

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16393/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.