MalwarePublished 25 Jun 2026Updated 5 Aug 2026

kelly-stake (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects kelly-stakeSource GCVE Database

Malicious package : remove kelly-stake and rotate any secrets on hosts that installed it.

Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 15:55 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2026-6482

What to do

Remove kelly-stake 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
npmkelly-stake	Affected 3.1.0 – 4.1.0 9 affected builds	Fixed in–

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Description

The kelly-stake npm package versions 3.5.2 through 3.5.6 contain malicious code that executes arbitrary commands on the consumer's machine during installation. The postinstall script downloads and runs unverified remote code from an attacker-controlled domain, enabling remote code execution without user awareness. This behavior allows the attacker to rotate payloads dynamically without republishing the package. The installation process suppresses errors to avoid detection, ensuring the malicious code runs on every installation.

Impact

This vulnerability results in arbitrary code execution on the machine of anyone installing the affected versions of the kelly-stake package. Attackers can execute any commands with the privileges of the user running npm install, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or further malware deployment. The attack is stealthy due to error suppression and dynamic payload delivery.

Defensive guidance

Users should immediately cease using the affected versions of the kelly-stake package (3.5.2, 3.5.3, 3.5.4, 3.5.5, 3.5.6). Avoid installing or updating to these versions. Monitor vendor advisories for any forthcoming official fixes or guidance. Consider auditing your environment for signs of compromise if these versions were installed.

Summary

The kelly-stake npm package includes a postinstall hook script (scripts/install-check.cjs) that performs a two-stage remote code execution attack. Upon npm install, it fetches a JSON configuration from an attacker-controlled URL, extracts a URL to a malicious tarball, downloads and extracts it, runs npm install inside the extracted directory, then requires and executes a function from the malicious module. The remote payload URL is unpinned and unverified, allowing the attacker to change the payload at will without republishing the package. Errors during this process are caught and downgraded to warnings, ensuring the install succeeds silently while executing arbitrary attacker code.

References

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What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 26 Jun 2026, 22:41 UTC

Technical details

References

Community reviews