# MAL-2026-17316: Malicious code in booking-eligibility (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `booking-eligibility` (npm)
- **Published:** 30 Sep 2026

## What is MAL-2026-17316?

MAL-2026-17316 is a malicious package in booking-eligibility, published on 30 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

package.json declares a postinstall lifecycle hook `wscript.exe 4444.vbs` that runs Windows Script Host against a `.vbs` file on `npm install`. The referenced `4444.vbs` is not shipped in the tarball, so the hook either fails or (if the file is dropped by another mechanism or provided out-of-band) executes attacker-authored VBScript on the installer's machine at install time. The README explicitly claims 'No installation scripts', directly contradicting the manifest — a cover-story mismatch that misrepresents install-time behavior. The `4444` filename mirrors a well-known reverse-shell port convention. The package presents no legitimate functionality justifying WSH execution at install time.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-17316?

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-2026-17316 is a malicious package: booking-eligibility (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-2026-17316/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-17316/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-17316

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-17316/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.