# MAL-2026-17162: Malicious code in simple-date-formatter-new-16 (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `simple-date-formatter-new-16` (npm)
- **Published:** 24 Sep 2026

## What is MAL-2026-17162?

MAL-2026-17162 is a malicious package in simple-date-formatter-new-16, published on 24 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

package.json declares a postinstall lifecycle script that pipes a string-reversed shell one-liner through `rev | bash`, decoding to a bash reverse shell that opens /dev/tcp/124.221.154.135/4444 and attaches an interactive shell to it. This gives the publisher remote code execution on the installer's host at `npm install` time. The tarball also ships postinstall.js, which enumerates the installer's ~/.ssh directory, collects the filenames along with username and platform, and POSTs the JSON to https://124.221.154.135/post — direct exfiltration of SSH key material to the same hardcoded IP that receives the reverse shell. The obfuscation of the postinstall payload via string reversal and the mismatch between the package's advertised purpose (a date formatter) and its actual install-time behavior confirm malicious intent.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-17162?

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-2026-17162 is a malicious package: simple-date-formatter-new-16 (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-2026-17162/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-17162/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-17162

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-17162/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.