MAL-2026-10676: Malicious code in commonjs-assert (npm)
The npm package 'commonjs-assert' version 1.0.3 is a malicious package that impersonates Node.js's built-in 'assert' module. When required, it spawns a detached Node.js child process that fetches and executes remote code via an obfuscated payload, resulting in arbitrary remote code execution on the host system.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The 'commonjs-assert' package (version 1.0.3) contains malicious code that executes upon import. Its 'index.js' spawns a detached Node.js child process targeting an obfuscated bundled script ('lib/chai/utils/assertion.js'). This script reconstructs a hidden URL from an encoded string array, performs an HTTP GET request to fetch remote JavaScript code, and executes the fetched code using 'new Function' with Node's 'require' context. This behavior enables silent arbitrary remote code execution on any host that requires or imports this package, effectively compromising the host environment.
Potential Impact
Any project or system that installs or imports 'commonjs-assert' version 1.0.3 will silently execute arbitrary remote code fetched at runtime, leading to a full compromise of the host environment. This can result in unauthorized control, data theft, or further malware deployment.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation is currently documented. Users should immediately remove and avoid using the 'commonjs-assert' package version 1.0.3. Verify dependencies to ensure this malicious package is not included transitively. Monitor for updates from trusted sources or advisories for any official fixes or guidance.
MAL-2026-10676: Malicious code in commonjs-assert (npm)
Description
The npm package 'commonjs-assert' version 1.0.3 is a malicious package that impersonates Node.js's built-in 'assert' module. When required, it spawns a detached Node.js child process that fetches and executes remote code via an obfuscated payload, resulting in arbitrary remote code execution on the host system.
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The 'commonjs-assert' package (version 1.0.3) contains malicious code that executes upon import. Its 'index.js' spawns a detached Node.js child process targeting an obfuscated bundled script ('lib/chai/utils/assertion.js'). This script reconstructs a hidden URL from an encoded string array, performs an HTTP GET request to fetch remote JavaScript code, and executes the fetched code using 'new Function' with Node's 'require' context. This behavior enables silent arbitrary remote code execution on any host that requires or imports this package, effectively compromising the host environment.
Potential Impact
Any project or system that installs or imports 'commonjs-assert' version 1.0.3 will silently execute arbitrary remote code fetched at runtime, leading to a full compromise of the host environment. This can result in unauthorized control, data theft, or further malware deployment.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation is currently documented. Users should immediately remove and avoid using the 'commonjs-assert' package version 1.0.3. Verify dependencies to ensure this malicious package is not included transitively. Monitor for updates from trusted sources or advisories for any official fixes or guidance.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-10676
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Aliases
- []
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
- Database Specific Severity
- null
- Cvss Version
- null
Threat ID: 6a577ecd68715ace43b3ef4a
Added to database: 07/15/2026, 12:36:29 UTC
Last enriched: 07/15/2026, 12:39:55 UTC
Last updated: 07/16/2026, 03:34:26 UTC
Views: 5
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