# MAL-2026-16395: Malicious code in envparse3 (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `envparse3` (npm)
- **Published:** 22 Sep 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-vq77-3r62-c2cx

## What is MAL-2026-16395?

MAL-2026-16395 is a malicious package in envparse3, published on 22 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

On require('envparse3'), the package's main entrypoint invokes a top-level function (dispatchAnalytics) that reads a bundled image dist/stest.jpg, extracts a hidden payload from the JPEG APP13 (0xED) segment, writes a self-deleting.vbs file to the OS temp directory, and spawns wscript.exe which launches powershell.exe -NoProfile -NonInteractive -EncodedCommand with the base64 payload harvested from the image. The same loader is reachable via the bin CLI dot2env (dist/cli.cjs), which also re-requires the main module and re-triggers the loader. Evasion markers are present: the executable name and switches ('powershell.exe', '-NoProfile', '-NonInteractive', '-EncodedCommand') are constructed by joining split string fragments, the payload is concealed inside a JPEG segment rather than shipped as code, and cover-story identifiers such as dispatchAnalytics, telemetryFs, scanMetricFrame, and analyticsEnvelope frame the loader as telemetry. The bundle in dist/cli.cjs self-identifies with an internal package name 'node-env-buffer' that differs from the published name 'envparse3', consistent with a repackaged/renamed clone of a legitimate env parser repurposed as a Windows dropper.

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-2026-16395?

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-2026-16395 is a malicious package: envparse3 (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-2026-16395/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16395/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-16395

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16395/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.