# MAL-2026-2798: Malicious code in request-easy-validator (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `request-easy-validator` (npm)
- **Published:** 16 Apr 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-6h5g-9vvm-x5jj

## What is MAL-2026-2798?

MAL-2026-2798 is a malicious package in request-easy-validator, published on 16 Apr 2026. 

### Official description

request-easy-validator impersonates the popular `request` package (cloned README, bugs URL points at github.com/request/request, source is a fork of `request`) and ships a hidden remote-code-execution dropper. index.js exports a `middleware` function (also exposed as default, `.reqValidator`, and `.request`) that, on any invocation by the consumer, spawns a detached `node lib/callers.js` child with `stdio: 'ignore'` and `child.unref()` to hide it from the parent process. lib/callers.js then issues an HTTPS GET to https://jsonkeeper.com/b/PWEH9 (an anonymous, mutable, attacker-controlled paste host) with header `x-secret-key: _`, takes the `.Cookie` field from the response, and passes it to `new Function.constructor('require', s)` invoked with the live `require` — granting the paste-host operator arbitrary Node.js code execution with full module access on any server using this package. The payload URL is mutable, so the attacker can change the executed code at any time without republishing the package.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-2798?

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-2026-2798 is a malicious package: request-easy-validator (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-2026-2798/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-2798/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-2798

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-2798/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.