MalwarePublished 5 Aug 2026

peter-desktop-peter-big-column (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects peter-desktop-peter-big-columnSource GCVE Database

Malicious package : remove peter-desktop-peter-big-column and rotate any secrets on hosts that installed it.

Data as of 6 Aug 2026, 19:28 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2026-12184

What to do

Remove peter-desktop-peter-big-column 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
npmpeter-desktop-peter-big-column	Affected =20.3.2	Fixed in–

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Description

The npm package peter-desktop-peter-big-column version 20.3.2 contains malicious code that downloads and executes a platform-specific binary from obfuscated hostnames. This binary is attacker-controlled and runs detached on the victim system, potentially giving full control to the attacker. The package includes mechanisms to evade static inspection and uses disguised filenames and lockfiles. Systems with this package installed should be considered fully compromised, and all secrets and keys should be rotated from a clean environment.

Impact

Any system with this package installed or running is considered fully compromised, potentially allowing attackers full control over the host. All secrets and keys stored on the compromised system are at risk and should be rotated immediately from a separate, trusted environment. The malicious binary executed by the package can persist beyond package removal, making eradication difficult.

Defensive guidance

Immediate removal of the peter-desktop-peter-big-column package version 20.3.2 is recommended. However, due to the potential full compromise of the system, all secrets and keys stored on the affected machine should be rotated from a clean environment. There is no known patch or official fix available. Consider rebuilding or restoring the system from a trusted backup to ensure complete remediation.

Summary

The npm package peter-desktop-peter-big-column (version 20.3.2) includes malicious code that, upon require(), loads a runtime script assembling download hostnames from split string fragments to hide destinations. It fetches a platform-specific binary via HTTPS with a DNS TXT fallback, writes it to temporary directories under disguised names, sets executable permissions on POSIX systems, and spawns the binary detached using shell commands. A second copy of this dropper is embedded under an SDK guise. The delivered binary is attacker-controlled and opaque, enabling full compromise of the host system. The obfuscation techniques hinder static detection. Removal of the package does not guarantee full remediation due to potential persistence of malicious payloads.

References

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What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 6 Aug 2026, 19:28 UTC

Technical details

References

Community reviews