# MAL-2026-5847: Malicious code in reading-cookies (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `reading-cookies` (npm)
- **Published:** 15 Jun 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-mf62-v96j-mg7g

## What is MAL-2026-5847?

MAL-2026-5847 is a malicious package in reading-cookies, published on 15 Jun 2026. 

### Official description

On import, the package's middleware spawns a detached `node lib/caller.js` child process. `caller.js` decodes a base64-obfuscated URL (https://api.jsonstorage.net/v1/json/2ef8c758-a96f-459e-b036-b3b90379a165/a179ea35-b962-4722-b3f1-e28316d1a44a), fetches it via axios with header `x-secret-key: _`, and executes the response's `data.cookie` string by passing it to `new Function.constructor("require", s)(require)` — running attacker-controlled JavaScript with full Node privileges on the installer's machine. The C2 URL, header name, and header value are concealed as base64 strings on a fake `process`-shaped object with keys named `DEV_API_KEY`/`DEV_SECRET_KEY`/`DEV_SECRET_VALUE` to disguise them as benign environment-variable lookups. The README, npm badges, and exports (`module.exports.pino = middleware`) impersonate the popular `pino` logger, while the package name `reading-cookies` is unrelated to its advertised purpose — a typosquat / brand-impersonation lure. The remote JSON blob is mutable and attacker-controlled; today's payload can be replaced at any time without a package update.

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-2026-5847?

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-2026-5847 is a malicious package: reading-cookies (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-2026-5847/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-5847/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-5847

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-5847/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.