MalwarePublished 8 Jul 2026Updated 15 Jul 2026

npm-rce-poc (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects npm-rce-pocSource GCVE Database

Malicious package : remove npm-rce-poc and rotate any secrets on hosts that installed it.

Data as of 16 Jul 2026, 14:28 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2026-7019

What to do

Remove npm-rce-poc 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
npmnpm-rce-poc	Affected =1.0.13	Fixed in–

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Description

The npm package 'npm-rce-poc' version 1.0.13 contains malicious code that executes during installation. It runs a postinstall script that fetches and executes a remote script over unencrypted HTTP from a hardcoded IP address, enabling remote code execution on the installing system. The package masquerades as 'date-fns-lite' to appear benign. Systems with this package installed should be considered fully compromised, and all secrets and keys should be rotated. Removal of the package does not guarantee full remediation due to potential persistent compromise.

Impact

Any system that installs this package version is subject to remote code execution by the attacker controlling the hardcoded IP address. This leads to full system compromise, including potential theft or manipulation of secrets and keys. The compromise is severe enough that all credentials on the affected system should be considered compromised and rotated from a separate, secure system. Removal of the package alone may not eliminate all malicious artifacts or backdoors.

Defensive guidance

The recommended mitigation is to immediately remove version 1.0.13 of 'npm-rce-poc' if installed. Assume full compromise of affected systems and rotate all secrets and keys from a different, uncompromised system. Avoid installing packages from untrusted sources and verify package authenticity before installation. Monitor for any signs of persistent compromise beyond the package removal.

Summary

The 'npm-rce-poc' package version 1.0.13 includes a postinstall lifecycle script that, upon 'npm install', downloads a script from a hardcoded IP address (http://115.190.124.243:8761) without TLS or integrity checks and executes it immediately. On Unix systems, the script is piped to 'sh'; on Windows, it is saved as a batch file and executed. The package disguises itself as 'date-fns-lite', a lookalike of the legitimate 'date-fns' library, with a benign index.js to conceal its malicious behavior. This results in remote code execution controlled by the attacker on any system installing this package.

References

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What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 16 Jul 2026, 14:28 UTC

Technical details

References

Community reviews