# MAL-2026-6434: Malicious code in serverless-convention (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `serverless-convention` (npm)
- **Published:** 24 Jun 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-7j3q-2rph-cwf8

## What is MAL-2026-6434?

MAL-2026-6434 is a malicious package in serverless-convention, published on 24 Jun 2026. 

### Official description

The `serverless-convention` npm package was compromised as part of the Miasma worm campaign targeting the LeoPlatform npm ecosystem. On June 24, 2026, 20 LeoPlatform packages were published within a 3-second window by a threat actor who had taken over the npm account `czirker` belonging to the LeoPlatform organization.

The malicious payload is triggered automatically during `npm install` via a `binding.gyp` file using node-gyp command expansion (`<!(node index.js > /dev/null 2>&1 && echo stub.c)`), which bypasses lifecycle script scanners. The replaced `index.js` (~5.2 MB, obfuscated with ROT-N + AES-128-GCM encryption) deploys a multi-stage worm with the following capabilities:

- Credential theft: Targets npm, GitHub, PyPI, RubyGems, Kubernetes, HashiCorp Vault, AWS (IAM keys, Secrets Manager, IMDS), 1Password, JFrog Artifactory, and SSH keys.
- AI tool targeting: Exfiltrates configuration files for Claude, Cursor, Gemini, and VS Code.
- Worm propagation: Enumerates npm packages and auto-publishes version bumps to spread to other maintainers in the ecosystem.
- GitHub persistence: Creates orphan `snapshot-<hex>` branches with fake "Dependabot Updates" workflows to maintain access after initial compromise.

Any system that installed this version should be considered fully compromised. Rotate all secrets immediately from a separate, clean machine. See the linked SafeDep report for full payload analysis, indicators of compromise, and remediation guidance.

The package ships a binding.gyp file that uses GYP command-expansion syntax (<!(...)) at line 6 in a sources/targets context. npm implicitly runs node-gyp rebuild whenever a binding.gyp is present, even without any declared install/postinstall script, and GYP evaluates <!(...) as a shell command during the configure step. This causes arbitrary code to execute on the installer's machine at install time. The package does not appear to ship legitimate native source files that would justify a binding.gyp, and the use of command expansion in a sources field is not a normal build configuration — its purpose is to run the embedded shell command, not to compile a real native addon. This is a known install-time RCE technique that bypasses the more visible package.json lifecycle hooks.

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-2026-6434?

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-2026-6434 is a malicious package: serverless-convention (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-2026-6434/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6434/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-6434

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6434/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.