MAL-2026-5726 Malicious code in ecto_module (npm)

Malicious package Published
Package
ecto_module
Registry
npm

What is MAL-2026-5726?

MAL-2026-5726 is a malicious package in ecto_module, published on 13 Jun 2026.

Official description

On npm install, the package's preinstall hook (node index.js) reads /flag.txt (falling back to execSync('cat /flag*')) and transmits the captured contents in a JSON manifest field via HTTP PUT to a hardcoded endpoint at 127.0.0.1:3000/api/modules/ECT-987654. The package has no legitimate functionality — its description is simply 'Probe', it ships only index.js plus package.json, and the sole effect of installation is to read an installer-side file and ship it to whatever process is listening on the loopback port. This is a CTF/supply-chain probe payload: filesystem read + shell command execution + outbound HTTP, all auto-fired at install time.

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-2026-5726?

Remove the package from your dependencies and lockfiles, then rotate any secrets on machines where it was installed.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-qj3m-j6gv-53pg.

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