# MAL-2026-18126: Malicious code in zzhelloworld_socktest (RubyGems)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `zzhelloworld_socktest` (RubyGems)
- **Published:** 21 Oct 2026

## What is MAL-2026-18126?

MAL-2026-18126 is a malicious package in zzhelloworld_socktest, published on 21 Oct 2026. 

### Official description

On `require "zzhelloworld_socktest"`, the library's top-level module body opens a TCP connection to the hardcoded remote endpoint 66.78.40.218:32768, reopens STDIN, STDOUT, and STDERR onto that socket, and execs `/bin/sh -i`. Loading the gem gives the operator of that remote host an interactive shell on the installing machine, with no authentication and full process privileges. The gem's stated purpose is a trivial test library, which does not match a remote-shell capability. The destination is a bare IPv4 address unrelated to any declared publisher infrastructure.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-18126?

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-2026-18126 is a malicious package: zzhelloworld_socktest (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-2026-18126/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-18126/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-18126

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-18126/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.