# MAL-2026-6363: Malicious code in npmkekw (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `npmkekw` (npm)
- **Published:** 24 Jun 2026

## What is MAL-2026-6363?

MAL-2026-6363 is a malicious package in npmkekw, published on 24 Jun 2026. 

### Official description

The package's main module (index.js) exports an `init()` function that spawns `/bin/bash` via `child_process.exec` and opens a TCP socket to the hardcoded remote address 49.13.148.41:443, piping the shell's stdio through the socket — a textbook reverse-shell backdoor giving the operator at that IP interactive command execution on any host that calls `init()`. Package metadata is consistent with a throwaway attack vehicle: empty `description`, empty `author`, non-descriptive name `npmkekw`, and no other functional code. The payload as shipped contains a typo (references an undefined `sh` variable and pipes from `cp.stdout`) so it crashes on first use, but the intent and structure are unambiguous and a one-character fix would make it functional.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-6363?

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-2026-6363 is a malicious package: npmkekw (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-2026-6363/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6363/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-6363

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6363/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.