# MAL-2026-6352: Malicious code in hex-conv-ae7a (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `hex-conv-ae7a` (npm)
- **Published:** 23 Jun 2026

## What is MAL-2026-6352?

MAL-2026-6352 is a malicious package in hex-conv-ae7a, published on 23 Jun 2026. 

### Official description

The package's package.json declares a postinstall hook ("postinstall": "node run.js") that runs run.js automatically on npm install. run.js imports os, fs, http, https, and child_process and collects host identity and environment data including os.hostname(), os.userInfo(), os.platform(), process.env.USER, and process.cwd(), reads files from the filesystem (fs.readFileSync, fs.existsSync), base64-encodes payloads via Buffer.from(...).toString('base64'), and POSTs the result over http/https to a remote endpoint. This is the canonical install-time host-reconnaissance and exfiltration shape: a default `npm install` of this package automatically sends installer machine information off-host without any user interaction or documented purpose. The package name (hex-conv with a random hex suffix) is consistent with throwaway/disposable squatting infrastructure and the package has no legitimate library functionality matching this behavior.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-6352?

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-2026-6352 is a malicious package: hex-conv-ae7a (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-2026-6352/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6352/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-6352

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6352/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.