# MAL-2026-6896: Malicious code in ts-eslinter (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `ts-eslinter` (npm)
- **Published:** 6 Jul 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-h269-vrf6-9f75

## What is MAL-2026-6896?

MAL-2026-6896 is a malicious package in ts-eslinter, published on 6 Jul 2026. 

### Official description

Package name resembles common ESLint/TypeScript tooling and the main entry index.js contains base64 decoding via Buffer.from(..., 'base64').toString('utf8') at line 7 (with another Buffer.from at line 86). Base64 decoding of an embedded string is a common precursor to obfuscated payload execution, but it is also used for many legitimate purposes (config blobs, asset embedding, default keys). Without traced execution showing the decoded bytes being eval'd, executed via child_process, or sent over the network, intent cannot be confirmed from the available evidence. The name is also close to legitimate linter packages, which warrants a human look.

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-2026-6896?

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-2026-6896 is a malicious package: ts-eslinter (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-2026-6896/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6896/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-6896

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6896/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.