# MAL-2026-17802: Malicious code in xrp-ledger-utils (RubyGems)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `xrp-ledger-utils` (RubyGems)
- **Published:** 11 Oct 2026

## What is MAL-2026-17802?

MAL-2026-17802 is a malicious package in xrp-ledger-utils, published on 11 Oct 2026. 

### Official description

The gem's native extension builder ext/extconf.rb decodes a base64-embedded Ruby payload and eval()s it inside a double-forked, detached child after a randomized 20-40 minute sleep. The payload opens a TCP connection to the hardcoded bare-IP C2 at 45.138.12.177:8089, pipes the socket to /bin/sh, and reconnects in a loop, providing an interactive remote shell on the installer's host. Execution is gated by anti-analysis checks that skip CI runners, sandboxed/ephemeral hosts, synthetic usernames, and fresh VMs, and only fires when developer-workstation indicators are present (~/.ssh, ~/.gitconfig, ~/.npmrc, ~/.gem/credentials, ~/.bundle). The shipped library is an inert stub (build_id='ok', healthy?=true), the README is for an unrelated project ('bitcoin-rpc-lite'), and the Makefile target is bitcoin_rpc_lite_native, so the package has no legitimate advertised functionality; the install-time dropper is its sole purpose.

The OpenSSF Package Analysis project identified 'xrp-ledger-utils' @ 0.9.1 (rubygems) as malicious.

It is considered malicious because:

- The package executes one or more commands associated with malicious behavior.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-17802?

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-2026-17802 is a malicious package: xrp-ledger-utils (RubyGems). 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-2026-17802/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-17802/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-17802

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-17802/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.