# MAL-2026-3716: Malicious code in truffle-helper (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `truffle-helper` (npm)
- **Published:** 13 May 2026

## What is MAL-2026-3716?

MAL-2026-3716 is a malicious package in truffle-helper, published on 13 May 2026. 

### Official description

package.json line 7 invokes require('child_process') and execSync('curl...') from an npm lifecycle script. This causes the installer's machine to fetch and execute remote content at install time, without user consent and without any visible integrity check. The package's declared purpose (a Truffle helper) has no legitimate need to pipe curl output through a shell during install. Any installer running `npm install truffle-helper` runs attacker-controlled commands on their host.

The OpenSSF Package Analysis project identified 'truffle-helper' @ 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-2026-3716?

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-2026-3716 is a malicious package: truffle-helper (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-2026-3716/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-3716/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-3716

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-3716/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.