# MAL-2026-2213: Malicious code in @virtahealth/substrate-root (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `@virtahealth/substrate-root` (npm)
- **Published:** 26 Mar 2026

## What is MAL-2026-2213?

MAL-2026-2213 is a malicious package in @virtahealth/substrate-root, published on 26 Mar 2026. 

### Official description

The package @virtahealth/substrate-root was found to contain malicious code.

This package was compromised by the CanisterWorm campaign by the TeamPCP
threat actor. The malicious payload establishes persistence as user systemd
service and places a backdoor on the infected host. The malware will also
harvest npm credentials and can autonomously spread.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-2213?

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-2026-2213 is a malicious package: @virtahealth/substrate-root (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-2026-2213/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-2213/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-2213

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-2213/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.