MalwarePublished 24 Mar 2026Updated 1 Sep 2026

dotenv-express (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects dotenv-expressSource GCVE Database

Malicious package : remove dotenv-express and rotate any secrets on hosts that installed it.

Data as of 12 Sep 2026, 20:32 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2026-2350

What to do

Remove dotenv-express 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
npmdotenv-express`pkg:npm/dotenv-express`Other threats	Affected 2.5.5 – 17.4.6 6 affected builds	Fixed in–

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Description

The npm package 'dotenv-express' impersonates the popular 'dotenv' package by copying its code and metadata but adds a malicious dependency 'environment-gate' that executes code on every standard API call. This deliberate namespace abuse tricks users and AI coding agents into treating it as the genuine package. Installing this package can lead to full system compromise, and all secrets and keys on affected machines should be rotated immediately.

Impact

Any system with 'dotenv-express' installed or running is considered fully compromised due to the execution of malicious code from the 'environment-gate' dependency. Attackers may gain full control over the affected machine, potentially accessing all stored secrets and keys. Immediate rotation of all secrets and keys from a separate, uncompromised system is necessary. Removal of the package alone does not guarantee eradication of all malicious software or attacker persistence.

Defensive guidance

The recommended mitigation is to immediately remove 'dotenv-express' from all systems. Rotate all secrets and keys stored on affected machines from a different, trusted computer. Treat any system with this package installed as fully compromised and conduct a thorough security investigation and remediation. Avoid installing packages with names similar to popular libraries without verifying their authenticity.

Summary

The 'dotenv-express' npm package is a malicious package impersonating the legitimate 'dotenv' package by copying its code and metadata, including repository and homepage fields pointing to the genuine 'dotenv' project. It injects a dependency on 'environment-gate', which executes code on every invocation of the documented API entry point 'config()'. The package also includes spoofed skill metadata designed to deceive AI coding agents into recommending installation of the legitimate 'dotenv' package, furthering the impersonation. This behavior constitutes deliberate namespace abuse and results in arbitrary code execution on any system that requires 'dotenv-express' and calls its config function.

References

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What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 12 Sep 2026, 20:32 UTC

Technical details

References

Community reviews