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Malicious code in element-guci-util (npm)

0
Critical
Published: 09/03/2026 (09/03/2026, 08:38:43 UTC)
Source: GCVE Database
Product: element-guci-util

Description

The npm package 'element-guci-util' is a malicious utility library that contains harmful code triggered on or after October 1, 2026. When imported, it executes code that fabricates a synthetic .exe file download, opens a malicious website, reloads the page repeatedly, and exhausts CPU and memory resources. The package metadata is suspicious, with placeholder author and repository fields and a self-referential dependency version mismatch that alters install resolution. Applications bundling this package will deliver the malicious payload to end users after the trigger date, resulting in forced downloads and redirects to attacker-controlled domains.

Affected software

npmghsa
element-guci-util
Affected versions
=12.12.1=9.1.1=11.11.11=10.3.3=12.11.13=9.9.9=10.0.0=9.1.2=10.1.1=10.2.2=7.1.2=8.0.0=7.1.1=9.0.0=7.0.0=12.11.11=8.1.2=8.1.1

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AI-Powered Analysis

Machine-generated threat intelligence

AILast updated: 09/07/2026, 18:08:27 UTC

Technical Analysis

The 'element-guci-util' npm package masquerades as a utility library but contains top-level code that activates on or after 2026-10-01. This code triggers a forced download of a fabricated executable file, opens a malicious URL (https://admin.nikolive.cn/), repeatedly reloads the page, and initiates CPU and memory exhaustion loops. The package's metadata includes placeholder values and a self-referential dependency version that causes altered resolution of subsequent installs. This behavior results in an attacker-benefiting payload delivered to downstream users of any web application bundling this module. The malicious actions compromise the integrity and availability of affected systems.

Potential Impact

Any system with this package installed or running after the trigger date should be considered fully compromised. The forced download of an executable and redirection to an attacker-controlled site pose direct security risks to end users. The CPU and memory exhaustion loops degrade system performance and availability. Because the package may have granted full control to an attacker, all secrets and keys stored on the compromised system should be considered exposed and rotated immediately. Removal of the package alone does not guarantee elimination of all malicious artifacts or control.

Mitigation Recommendations

No official patch or fix is indicated. Immediate removal of the 'element-guci-util' package from all systems is recommended. Due to the severity of compromise, all credentials and secrets stored on affected systems should be rotated from a secure, uncompromised environment. Monitor for any signs of persistent malicious activity. Because the package triggers malicious behavior only after a future date, proactively auditing dependencies and avoiding use of this package is critical. Consider blocking or removing this package from internal repositories and dependency manifests.

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Technical Details

Gcve Source
db.gcve.eu
Osv Id
MAL-2026-15880
Osv Schema Version
1.7.4
Aliases
["GHSA-rv3j-whh5-7gwg"]
Ecosystems
["npm"]

Threat ID: 6a9ad4e9acd9273b49b676aa

Added to database: 09/04/2026, 14:25:45 UTC

Last enriched: 09/07/2026, 18:08:27 UTC

Last updated: 10/04/2026, 07:10:48 UTC

Views: 24

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