Malicious code in checkout-molecule-desktop-status-modal (npm)
The npm package 'checkout-molecule-desktop-status-modal' version 35.9.4 contains malicious code that downloads and executes a native binary from suspicious external hosts during module load. This behavior is unexpected for a UI status-modal helper and involves writing executable files to temporary directories and launching them as detached background processes without integrity verification.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The package's main entry point requires a polyfill module that immediately runs an asynchronous routine to reconstruct several suspicious hostnames and downloads a platform-specific native binary via HTTPS or DNS TXT fallback. The binary is saved under disguised filenames in temporary directories, permissions are set to executable, and it is executed as a detached background process. A secondary module uses similar techniques under the guise of telemetry functionality. There is no hash or signature verification on the downloaded payload, indicating malicious intent inconsistent with the package's advertised purpose.
Potential Impact
This malicious behavior allows arbitrary native code execution on the host system when the package is loaded, potentially leading to full system compromise or persistence. The execution of unverified binaries from anonymous external sources poses a significant security risk.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation is currently documented. Users should immediately remove or avoid using version 35.9.4 of 'checkout-molecule-desktop-status-modal'. Monitor for updates from the package maintainers or npm security advisories for official fixes or removal. Consider scanning existing environments for presence of this package and the described malicious artifacts.
Malicious code in checkout-molecule-desktop-status-modal (npm)
Description
The npm package 'checkout-molecule-desktop-status-modal' version 35.9.4 contains malicious code that downloads and executes a native binary from suspicious external hosts during module load. This behavior is unexpected for a UI status-modal helper and involves writing executable files to temporary directories and launching them as detached background processes without integrity verification.
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The package's main entry point requires a polyfill module that immediately runs an asynchronous routine to reconstruct several suspicious hostnames and downloads a platform-specific native binary via HTTPS or DNS TXT fallback. The binary is saved under disguised filenames in temporary directories, permissions are set to executable, and it is executed as a detached background process. A secondary module uses similar techniques under the guise of telemetry functionality. There is no hash or signature verification on the downloaded payload, indicating malicious intent inconsistent with the package's advertised purpose.
Potential Impact
This malicious behavior allows arbitrary native code execution on the host system when the package is loaded, potentially leading to full system compromise or persistence. The execution of unverified binaries from anonymous external sources poses a significant security risk.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation is currently documented. Users should immediately remove or avoid using version 35.9.4 of 'checkout-molecule-desktop-status-modal'. Monitor for updates from the package maintainers or npm security advisories for official fixes or removal. Consider scanning existing environments for presence of this package and the described malicious artifacts.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-12581
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
Threat ID: 6a735732bf8831d53913d0bc
Added to database: 08/05/2026, 15:30:58 UTC
Last enriched: 08/05/2026, 15:59:56 UTC
Last updated: 09/07/2026, 22:31:00 UTC
Views: 19
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