# MAL-2026-6144: Malicious code in runtime-query (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `runtime-query` (npm)
- **Published:** 18 Jun 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-vh6x-853w-4qvp

## What is MAL-2026-6144?

MAL-2026-6144 is a malicious package in runtime-query, published on 18 Jun 2026. 

### Official description

On require(), index.js (lines 70-77) fetches JSON from https://jsonkeeper.com/b/CI3HT, extracts the `.cookie` field from the response, and passes it to `new Function.constructor('require', cookie)(require)` — compiling and executing attacker-controlled JavaScript with full access to Node's `require`. jsonkeeper.com is an anonymous, mutable paste host: the operator can swap the payload at any time without republishing the package. Any installer (or downstream package) that imports runtime-query gives the author arbitrary code execution on their machine. The package's metadata (description claims a generic query framework, empty `author`, no repository/homepage) is a cover story — the only shipped code is the 70-line remote loader.

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-2026-6144?

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-2026-6144 is a malicious package: runtime-query (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-2026-6144/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6144/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-6144

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6144/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.