MAL-2026-5759 Malicious code in npm-sandbox-research-9c4e (npm)

On install, package.json runs node run.js via a postinstall lifecycle hook. The package ships beacon scripts (beacon9.js, beacon_linux.js) that import child_process, os, and http, collect host identity (os.hostname(), os.platform()) and issue outbound HTTP POST/GET requests. This is the canonical install-time host beacon / command-execution shape: arbitrary code runs on the installer's machine via npm install, host fingerprints are emitted over the network, and child_process is available to execute received instructions. The package name (npm-sandbox-research-*) and shipped contents are inconsistent with any legitimate library purpose.

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.