# MAL-2026-17165: Malicious code in c2-client (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `c2-client` (npm)
- **Published:** 24 Sep 2026

## What is MAL-2026-17165?

MAL-2026-17165 is a malicious package in c2-client, published on 24 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

The package name is 'c2-client' and package.json declares a postinstall hook that executes 'node setup.js' automatically on npm install. The setup script runs unattended in the installer's environment with the installer's privileges and network access. Combined with the package's self-declared C2-client purpose, install of this package is expected to establish an attacker-controlled command channel or execute attacker-controlled code on the installer's machine at install time.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-17165?

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-2026-17165 is a malicious package: c2-client (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-2026-17165/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-17165/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-17165

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-17165/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.