The 'env-local' npm package version 18.4.2 is a malicious clone of the legitimate 'dotenv' package. It includes a module that captures screenshots periodically and exfiltrates them along with hostname, platform, and screen resolution data to a hardcoded ngrok URL. Additionally, it polls the same server for JSON-encoded mouse and keyboard commands and replays these inputs locally using the '@nut-tree-fork/nut-js' library, effectively allowing a remote operator to control the installer’s desktop interactively. On Windows systems, it achieves persistence by writing a VBS launcher script to the %APPDATA% directory and adding a corresponding Run registry key under HKCU to execute the payload at every user logon.

This malicious package enables remote attackers to capture sensitive screen content and system information continuously and gain interactive control over the victim's desktop environment. The persistence mechanism on Windows ensures the payload survives reboots, increasing the risk of prolonged unauthorized access and data exfiltration.

No official patch or remediation is currently documented. Users should avoid installing or using the 'env-local' package version 18.4.2. Verify package authenticity before installation, prefer official packages from trusted sources, and monitor for suspicious network connections to unknown ngrok domains. Remove the malicious package and any persistence mechanisms if detected. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory or trusted security sources for updates.