MAL-2026-2929 Malicious code in path-extend (npm)

On require(), path.js runs an IIFE that calls a loader which fetches a base64-hidden URL (https://www.jsonkeeper.com/b/XTTBX) from jsonkeeper.com — an anonymous, mutable JSON paste host — and passes the returned data.content to eval(). A second loader fetches https://www.jsonkeeper.com/b/P0CND for the same purpose. Variable names (randomStringRe, tokenStringRe) and base64-encoded URLs are obfuscation to evade scanning. The package name typosquats Node's built-in path module; package.json lists an empty author field and a generic 'Node.js path module' description, while path.js is otherwise a verbatim copy of Node core's path.js with the malicious fetch+eval block injected. Any installer that require()s this package runs attacker-controlled JavaScript in their Node process, with content the attacker can change at any time by editing the paste.

Any computer that has this package installed or running should be considered fully compromised. All secrets and keys stored on that computer should be rotated immediately from a different computer. The package should be removed, but as full control of the computer may have been given to an outside entity, there is no guarantee that removing the package will remove all malicious software resulting from installing it.

The OpenSSF Package Analysis project identified 'path-extend' @ 1.0.11 (npm) as malicious.

It is considered malicious because:

• The package communicates with a domain associated with malicious activity.

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