# MAL-2026-5742: Malicious code in axl-ui (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `axl-ui` (npm)
- **Published:** 13 Jun 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-f4w9-3fvx-q5xw

## What is MAL-2026-5742?

MAL-2026-5742 is a malicious package in axl-ui, published on 13 Jun 2026. 

### Official description

axl-ui@9.9.99 is a dependency-confusion squat targeting an internal package name. package.json declares a postinstall hook (`node beacon.js`) that fires automatically on `npm install`. beacon.js reads `os.hostname()` and transmits it to a hardcoded Burp Collaborator out-of-band host (`tspeuj1fodn3cj8v30uck2fs4jaby1mq.oastify.com`) via two channels: a DNS lookup of `<nonce>.host.<collaborator>` and an HTTPS POST with JSON body `{pkg, nonce, host}`. The version number 9.9.99 and the self-described "internal placeholder" description are the canonical dependency-confusion shape: any private build that resolves `axl-ui` from public npm will execute the beacon and leak the host identity to the attacker. Even if framed as a research proof-of-concept, the harm to installers is real — installer-side data leaves the build machine to an attacker-controlled endpoint without consent.

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.

The OpenSSF Package Analysis project identified 'axl-ui' @ 9.9.99 (npm) as malicious.

It is considered malicious because:

- The package communicates with a domain associated with malicious activity.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-5742?

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-2026-5742 is a malicious package: axl-ui (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-2026-5742/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-5742/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-5742

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-5742/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.