# MAL-2026-4549: Malicious code in dot-utils-plus (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `dot-utils-plus` (npm)
- **Published:** 21 May 2026

## What is MAL-2026-4549?

MAL-2026-4549 is a malicious package in dot-utils-plus, published on 21 May 2026. 

### Official description

On every import, dist/index.js base64-decodes a hardcoded AES-256-CBC ciphertext, derives a key from environment variable VITE_DOT_UTILS_AES_SECRET, decrypts the result into JavaScript source, wraps it in a Blob/data URL, and dynamically `import()`s it. The decrypted code is opaque to consumers and to static review; whoever holds the AES secret can ship arbitrary JavaScript to every downstream application that loads this library. This is a backdoor/remote-code-execution surface delivered through a library's normal import path. In addition, the same bundle monkey-patches the global `EventTarget.prototype.addEventListener` at import time. For every `click` listener registered after the patch, on dates after 2026-06-10 and when running outside development, the wrapper has a 5% chance of busy-waiting 5000ms on the main thread — a date-gated logic bomb that silently degrades any web app loading the package. None of this behavior is documented in the README or the declared API, and `package.json` carries placeholder author metadata (`"Your Name"`) with a self-described "encrypted distribution build" as the only shipped artifact.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-4549?

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-2026-4549 is a malicious package: dot-utils-plus (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-2026-4549/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-4549/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-4549

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-4549/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.