# MAL-2026-5982: Malicious code in metrics-probe-77d4 (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `metrics-probe-77d4` (npm)
- **Published:** 17 Jun 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-94g9-7rch-xv9j

## What is MAL-2026-5982?

MAL-2026-5982 is a malicious package in metrics-probe-77d4, published on 17 Jun 2026. 

### Official description

On install, package.json runs `postinstall: node run.js`. run.js imports os, fs, http, https, and child_process and at runtime collects host identifiers (os.hostname(), os.platform()) and reads files from the filesystem (fs.existsSync / fs.readFileSync), then issues outbound HTTP/HTTPS requests including POST calls (run.js lines 322, 329) and GET / http.get fetches (lines 38, 190). The postinstall lifecycle hook causes this code to execute automatically on `npm install` without consumer interaction, exposing installer host information and local file contents to attacker-controlled network destinations. The package name (random suffix `-77d4`) and the absence of any documented purpose are consistent with a disposable exfiltration lure rather than a legitimate library.

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-2026-5982?

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-2026-5982 is a malicious package: metrics-probe-77d4 (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-2026-5982/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-5982/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-5982

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-5982/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.