Malicious code in bubblestr (npm)
--- _-= Per source details. Do not edit below this line.=-_ ## Source: amazon-inspector (7831cb93037b6f364e2174f6d4fb64b38bac958e54f3653b8a70810681972172) package.json declares `"postinstall": "node index.js"`, and index.js is a heavily obfuscated single-file script (RC4+base64 string-array with rotating shift and two decoder wrappers). After deobfuscation, the postinstall body performs an HTTP GET to a built URL, writes the response body to a file under `os.tmpdir()` using `fs.writeFileSync(..., {flag:'w+'})`, and immediately executes the dropped file via `child_process.exec(path, {windowsHide:true, cwd: process.cwd()})`. This fires automatically on `npm install` with no user interaction and lands attacker-controlled bytes on the installer's machine. Author and description fields are empty, the obfuscation has no legitimate justification for a 'utility' package, and the README contradicts the published name by instructing users to install/require `@array-util/subsearch` — a name-confusion lure designed to harvest installs while hiding under a different documented identity. The combination of install-time remote fetch-and-exec, obfuscation intent to evade scanners, and identity mismatch is a textbook supply-chain dropper. ## Source: ghsa-malware (c1c55149f831144e3ea806b4c4a8d9848f9d8ee5d838d4379bb49b3d98915b85) 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.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The 'bubblestr' npm package version 1.1.4 includes a heavily obfuscated postinstall script that performs an HTTP GET request to download a payload, writes it to a temporary file, and executes it immediately. This behavior occurs automatically during 'npm install' without user consent. The package's author and description fields are empty, and the README misleads users by referencing a different package name, indicating a supply-chain dropper designed to evade detection and harvest installs. The malicious code grants attackers full control over the affected system.
Potential Impact
Any system with 'bubblestr' version 1.1.4 installed should be considered fully compromised. The attacker gains remote code execution capabilities, potentially accessing all secrets and keys stored on the machine. Removal of the package does not guarantee elimination of all malicious artifacts or backdoors introduced by the payload.
Mitigation Recommendations
Immediate removal of the 'bubblestr' package version 1.1.4 is required. All secrets and keys stored on the compromised system must be rotated from a secure, unaffected environment. Due to the nature of the compromise, a full system investigation and potential rebuild may be necessary. No official patch or fix is available; users must avoid installing this package version.
Malicious code in bubblestr (npm)
Description
--- _-= Per source details. Do not edit below this line.=-_ ## Source: amazon-inspector (7831cb93037b6f364e2174f6d4fb64b38bac958e54f3653b8a70810681972172) package.json declares `"postinstall": "node index.js"`, and index.js is a heavily obfuscated single-file script (RC4+base64 string-array with rotating shift and two decoder wrappers). After deobfuscation, the postinstall body performs an HTTP GET to a built URL, writes the response body to a file under `os.tmpdir()` using `fs.writeFileSync(..., {flag:'w+'})`, and immediately executes the dropped file via `child_process.exec(path, {windowsHide:true, cwd: process.cwd()})`. This fires automatically on `npm install` with no user interaction and lands attacker-controlled bytes on the installer's machine. Author and description fields are empty, the obfuscation has no legitimate justification for a 'utility' package, and the README contradicts the published name by instructing users to install/require `@array-util/subsearch` — a name-confusion lure designed to harvest installs while hiding under a different documented identity. The combination of install-time remote fetch-and-exec, obfuscation intent to evade scanners, and identity mismatch is a textbook supply-chain dropper. ## Source: ghsa-malware (c1c55149f831144e3ea806b4c4a8d9848f9d8ee5d838d4379bb49b3d98915b85) 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.
Affected software
Run on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The 'bubblestr' npm package version 1.1.4 includes a heavily obfuscated postinstall script that performs an HTTP GET request to download a payload, writes it to a temporary file, and executes it immediately. This behavior occurs automatically during 'npm install' without user consent. The package's author and description fields are empty, and the README misleads users by referencing a different package name, indicating a supply-chain dropper designed to evade detection and harvest installs. The malicious code grants attackers full control over the affected system.
Potential Impact
Any system with 'bubblestr' version 1.1.4 installed should be considered fully compromised. The attacker gains remote code execution capabilities, potentially accessing all secrets and keys stored on the machine. Removal of the package does not guarantee elimination of all malicious artifacts or backdoors introduced by the payload.
Mitigation Recommendations
Immediate removal of the 'bubblestr' package version 1.1.4 is required. All secrets and keys stored on the compromised system must be rotated from a secure, unaffected environment. Due to the nature of the compromise, a full system investigation and potential rebuild may be necessary. No official patch or fix is available; users must avoid installing this package version.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-5930
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Aliases
- ["GHSA-9p79-38q4-f6wc"]
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
- Database Specific Severity
- null
- Cvss Version
- null
Threat ID: 6a4c342c27e9c797195fa4ae
Added to database: 07/06/2026, 23:03:08 UTC
Last enriched: 07/07/2026, 00:06:48 UTC
Last updated: 07/18/2026, 17:27:21 UTC
Views: 4
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
External Links
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.