# MAL-2026-17330: Malicious code in imgbundle (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `imgbundle` (npm)
- **Published:** 30 Sep 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-hj6h-6xgx-mpjv

## What is MAL-2026-17330?

MAL-2026-17330 is a malicious package in imgbundle, published on 30 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

The package advertises itself as an image bundler, but index.js performs no image bundling. On require, a top-level IIFE reads an AES-256-CBC-encrypted file at `cdn-img-fetch/.cache/banner.jpg` inside the sibling dependency `cdn-img-fetch`, decrypts it with a hardcoded key derived from `sha256('nif-runtime-2027')`, writes the plaintext to `cdn-img-fetch/.runtime/rt.jpg`, deletes the source file, and registers an `fs.watch` on the source directory so the decrypt-and-stage step still fires if the encrypted blob is delivered later. The package also calls `cif.ensureCached()` on the `cdn-img-fetch` dependency in an error-recovery path, wiring the two packages together as a coordinated staged dropper: `cdn-img-fetch` supplies the encrypted bytes and `imgbundle` acts as the decoder that materializes attacker-controlled content onto the installer's filesystem at import time. The README description of image bundling does not correspond to any code path in the module, and hardcoded-AES-key decryption of an opaque blob from another package is not a legitimate implementation of that stated purpose.

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-2026-17330?

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-2026-17330 is a malicious package: imgbundle (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-2026-17330/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-17330/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-17330

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-17330/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.