MalwarePublished 13 Jun 2026Updated 15 Jul 2026

@achuthvp/postinstall-poc (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects @achuthvp/postinstall-pocSource GCVE Database

Malicious package : remove @achuthvp/postinstall-poc and rotate any secrets on hosts that installed it.

Data as of 15 Jul 2026, 12:45 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2026-5741

What to do

Remove @achuthvp/postinstall-poc from every project, lockfile and image that pulls it in. Treat any host that installed it as compromised: rotate the credentials, tokens and keys it could read, from a clean machine.

Affected software

Product	Affected	Fixed in
npm@achuthvp/postinstall-poc	Affected 1.0.0 – 1.0.3 4 affected builds	Fixed in–

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Description

The npm package @achuthvp/postinstall-poc contains malicious code that executes during installation. Its postinstall script runs a command to gather system identity information and exfiltrates this data to an attacker-controlled URL without disclosure. This behavior occurs unconditionally on every npm install. The package is considered fully compromising any system where it is installed, potentially exposing all secrets and keys on that system.

Impact

Systems installing this package leak sensitive system identity information to an attacker-controlled endpoint. The compromise is severe enough that all secrets and keys on the affected system should be considered exposed and rotated immediately. Removing the package does not guarantee removal of all malicious artifacts or backdoors, indicating potential persistent compromise.

Defensive guidance

Remove the @achuthvp/postinstall-poc package immediately from all systems. Rotate all secrets, credentials, and keys that were present on affected systems using a separate, trusted environment. Because the package grants potential full control to an attacker, consider rebuilding or thoroughly auditing affected systems.

Summary

The @achuthvp/postinstall-poc npm package versions 1.0.0 through 1.0.3 include a postinstall.js script that executes the 'id' command to collect user and group identifiers, then sends this information along with hostname, platform, architecture, current working directory, and Node.js version to a hardcoded external webhook URL. This exfiltration occurs silently and unconditionally during installation, effectively performing reconnaissance on the host system. The package's README does not disclose this behavior. Due to this, any system with this package installed should be considered fully compromised, as attackers may have gained control or access to sensitive information.

References

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What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 15 Jul 2026, 12:45 UTC

Technical details

References

Community reviews