MalwarePublished 15 Jun 2026Updated 1 Sep 2026

prettier_v2 (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects prettier_v2Source GCVE Database

Malicious package : remove prettier_v2 and rotate any secrets on hosts that installed it.

Data as of 12 Sep 2026, 19:32 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2026-5846

What to do

Remove prettier_v2 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
npmprettier_v2	Affected =3.8.5	Fixed in–

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Description

The 'prettier_v2' npm package is identified as a malicious typosquatting package mimicking the legitimate 'prettier' formatter. It contains obfuscated code using base64 decoding patterns that may hide malicious payloads. Installation of this package can lead to full system compromise, requiring immediate secret and key rotation. Removal of the package alone may not fully remediate the infection due to potential persistence of malicious software.

Impact

Systems with 'prettier_v2' installed are considered fully compromised, potentially allowing attackers full control. All secrets and keys stored on the affected system are at risk and must be rotated. Removal of the package does not guarantee complete remediation due to possible persistence mechanisms.

Defensive guidance

Remove the 'prettier_v2' package immediately. Rotate all secrets and keys stored on the affected system from a separate, trusted device. Conduct a thorough investigation for additional malicious software or persistence mechanisms.

Summary

The 'prettier_v2' package on npm is a typosquatting threat targeting users of the legitimate 'prettier' package. It includes a file 'lib/mirror.js' that uses Buffer.from(..., 'base64').toString('utf8') to decode strings, a common technique to conceal malicious code. Although the exact use of the decoded content is not confirmed, the presence of obfuscated code combined with the confusable package name strongly indicates malicious intent. According to source reports, any system with this package installed should be considered fully compromised, with all stored secrets and keys requiring immediate rotation. The package should be removed, but this may not eliminate all malicious artifacts.

References

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What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 12 Sep 2026, 19:32 UTC

Technical details

References

Community reviews