# MAL-2026-5835: Malicious code in lab-helper (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `lab-helper` (npm)
- **Published:** 15 Jun 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-gqf6-7j7q-9x94

## What is MAL-2026-5835?

MAL-2026-5835 is a malicious package in lab-helper, published on 15 Jun 2026. 

### Official description

On `npm install`, the package's `postinstall` hook runs `sec_check.js`, which enumerates the host's network interfaces and proceeds only if an IPv4 address begins with `18.175.` — a subnet-based targeting gate that hides the behavior on most developer/CI machines. When the gate passes, the script reads `<INIT_CWD>/myfile.txt` from the installer's working directory and uses `curl -X POST` to upload its contents to a hardcoded plaintext C2 at `http://18.175.63.47:8080/collect`. The combination of a lifecycle-script auto-execute path, network-identity targeting to evade scanners, hardcoded bare-IP exfiltration endpoint, and reading installer-side files matches a targeted supply-chain attack against a specific environment (likely an AWS/lab subnet).

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-2026-5835?

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-2026-5835 is a malicious package: lab-helper (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-2026-5835/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-5835/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-5835

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-5835/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.