# MAL-2026-16542: Malicious code in zeal-utils (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `zeal-utils` (npm)
- **Published:** 22 Sep 2026

## What is MAL-2026-16542?

MAL-2026-16542 is a malicious package in zeal-utils, published on 22 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

canary.js in zeal-utils@0.0.0 collects host reconnaissance data (os.hostname(), os.userInfo(), process.platform, cwd, node version) and POSTs it to the hardcoded external endpoint https://npm-canary.aveliscare.com. The destination is not a package registry or documented vendor endpoint and is unrelated to any legitimate utility functionality implied by the package name. The package name and near-empty version (0.0.0) combined with a single script that beacons system identification to an author-controlled host is consistent with a dependency-confusion or canary-token style beacon that identifies internal build environments where the package resolves.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-16542?

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-2026-16542 is a malicious package: zeal-utils (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-2026-16542/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16542/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-16542

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-16542/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.