# MAL-2026-17332: Malicious code in runhelper (npm)


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

## What is MAL-2026-17332?

MAL-2026-17332 is a malicious package in runhelper, published on 30 Sep 2026. 

### Official description

On `require('runhelper')`, index.js unconditionally loads a payload file staged by its dependency `imgbundle` at `cdn-img-fetch/.runtime/rt.jpg`, allocates executable memory via kernel32 `VirtualAlloc` with `PAGE_EXECUTE_READWRITE` (0x40) and `MEM_COMMIT|MEM_RESERVE` (0x3000) through the `koffi` FFI, copies the file bytes with `RtlMoveMemory`, and executes them with `CreateThread`. The payload file is deleted after launch, and an `fs.watch` waits for it if not yet present. The `.jpg` extension in a hidden `.runtime` directory disguises an executable payload, and all errors are swallowed with empty `catch (_) {}` blocks. The advertised `exec()` spawn wrapper described in the README is a cover story: the module's top-level behavior on load is native shellcode execution. The manifest pins `imgbundle@^1.0.0` (payload source) and `koffi@^2.8.0` (FFI used to run it); the loader/payload split means anything that transitively requires runhelper on Windows fetches and executes attacker-supplied native code in-process.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-17332?

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-2026-17332 is a malicious package: runhelper (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-2026-17332/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-17332/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-17332

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-17332/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.