Malicious code in datefmt-simple-utils (npm)
The npm package datefmt-simple-utils version 1.0.0 is a malicious package masquerading as a date-formatting utility. During installation, it executes a postinstall script that opens a TCP connection to a hardcoded remote host and attaches an interactive shell, allowing remote command execution on the installer's machine. The package does not provide any legitimate date-formatting functionality and uses multiple fallback methods to establish the reverse shell.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The datefmt-simple-utils npm package (version 1.0.0) contains malicious code embedded in its postinstall script. This script automatically runs upon npm install and attempts to connect to a remote host (8.135.48.40) on port 4444. It then spawns an interactive /bin/bash shell over this connection, granting the remote endpoint full command execution capabilities on the affected system. The package uses three fallback reverse shell techniques involving Node.js and Python to maintain access. The advertised functionality as a date-formatting utility is a cover; no legitimate formatting code is executed during installation.
Potential Impact
Successful installation of this package results in remote code execution on the installer's machine, allowing an attacker full control over the system via a reverse shell. This can lead to system compromise, data theft, or further lateral movement within the environment.
Mitigation Recommendations
Do not install or use the datefmt-simple-utils package version 1.0.0. Remove any installations of this package immediately. Since no patch or official fix is available, avoid this package entirely and verify dependencies to ensure no indirect inclusion. Monitor for any unexpected network connections to the specified IP address and port. Consider using trusted package sources and tools that detect malicious npm packages.
Malicious code in datefmt-simple-utils (npm)
Description
The npm package datefmt-simple-utils version 1.0.0 is a malicious package masquerading as a date-formatting utility. During installation, it executes a postinstall script that opens a TCP connection to a hardcoded remote host and attaches an interactive shell, allowing remote command execution on the installer's machine. The package does not provide any legitimate date-formatting functionality and uses multiple fallback methods to establish the reverse shell.
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The datefmt-simple-utils npm package (version 1.0.0) contains malicious code embedded in its postinstall script. This script automatically runs upon npm install and attempts to connect to a remote host (8.135.48.40) on port 4444. It then spawns an interactive /bin/bash shell over this connection, granting the remote endpoint full command execution capabilities on the affected system. The package uses three fallback reverse shell techniques involving Node.js and Python to maintain access. The advertised functionality as a date-formatting utility is a cover; no legitimate formatting code is executed during installation.
Potential Impact
Successful installation of this package results in remote code execution on the installer's machine, allowing an attacker full control over the system via a reverse shell. This can lead to system compromise, data theft, or further lateral movement within the environment.
Defensive Guidance
Do not install or use the datefmt-simple-utils package version 1.0.0. Remove any installations of this package immediately. Since no patch or official fix is available, avoid this package entirely and verify dependencies to ensure no indirect inclusion. Monitor for any unexpected network connections to the specified IP address and port. Consider using trusted package sources and tools that detect malicious npm packages.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-14032
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
Threat ID: 6a7f43f1bf8831d5395d77c0
Added to database: 08/14/2026, 16:36:01 UTC
Last enriched: 08/14/2026, 16:52:24 UTC
Last updated: 09/18/2026, 01:10:15 UTC
Views: 24
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