# MAL-2026-6188: Malicious code in eslint-helper-1 (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `eslint-helper-1` (npm)
- **Published:** 19 Jun 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-35c7-535m-jhv6

## What is MAL-2026-6188?

MAL-2026-6188 is a malicious package in eslint-helper-1, published on 19 Jun 2026. 

### Official description

Package masquerades as an ESLint helper but contains code in index.js that decodes base64 blobs through Buffer.from(..., 'base64').toString() and pipes the resulting strings into execSync('bash...') and execSync('zsh...'). This is the canonical obfuscated-shell-dropper shape: hidden payload bytes are reconstituted at runtime and handed to a shell interpreter, giving the author arbitrary command execution on the installer's machine. The name (eslint-helper-1) and lack of any legitimate ESLint integration are consistent with a typosquat / brand-impersonation lure for a credential-stealing or remote-execution payload.

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-2026-6188?

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-2026-6188 is a malicious package: eslint-helper-1 (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-2026-6188/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6188/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-6188

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6188/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.