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Malicious code in @qwedqwed/axios (npm)

0
Critical
Published: 05/20/2026 (05/20/2026, 07:04:14 UTC)
Source: GCVE Database
Product: @qwedqwed/axios

Description

The npm package '@qwedqwed/axios' is a malicious typosquatting package impersonating the legitimate 'axios' library by copying its metadata and source files. While the package's own code is benign, it declares dependencies on two suspicious packages that are silently installed and introduce malicious code. Installing this package can lead to full system compromise, requiring immediate secret and key rotation and removal of the package.

Affected software

npmghsa
@qwedqwed/axios
Affected versions
=1.16.2=1.16.6=1.16.12=1.16.3=1.16.4=1.16.5=1.16.10=1.16.7=1.16.11=1.16.9=1.16.8

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AI-Powered Analysis

Machine-generated threat intelligence

AILast updated: 08/15/2026, 08:32:25 UTC

Technical Analysis

The '@qwedqwed/axios' package is a malicious npm package designed to impersonate the genuine 'axios' library by copying its README, source code, homepage, repository, and author metadata. Unlike the real axios package, it declares two runtime dependencies '@caspianph/storyteller@^1.1.12' and 'math@^0.0.3', which are not used by the legitimate axios. The 'math' package is a known abandoned utility often targeted for dependency confusion or typosquatting attacks. The actual threat arises from these transitive dependencies that are loaded silently when '@qwedqwed/axios' is installed, potentially leading to full compromise of the host system. The package itself does not contain direct exfiltration code, but the transitive dependencies pose a severe risk.

Potential Impact

Any system with '@qwedqwed/axios' installed or running should be considered fully compromised. Attackers may gain full control, potentially accessing all secrets and keys stored on the system. Removal of the package alone does not guarantee elimination of all malicious artifacts. Immediate secret and key rotation from a separate, trusted system is required to mitigate the impact.

Defensive Guidance

Remove the '@qwedqwed/axios' package immediately if installed. Rotate all secrets and keys stored on the affected system from a different, trusted computer. Because the system may be fully compromised, consider rebuilding or thoroughly cleaning the environment. Avoid installing packages from untrusted or suspicious scopes, and verify package authenticity before installation.

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Technical Details

Gcve Source
db.gcve.eu
Osv Id
MAL-2026-4422
Osv Schema Version
1.7.4
Aliases
["GHSA-3gw3-hvvw-mp2h"]
Ecosystems
["npm"]

Threat ID: 6a7f43f1bf8831d5395d7693

Added to database: 08/14/2026, 16:36:01 UTC

Last enriched: 08/15/2026, 08:32:25 UTC

Last updated: 09/25/2026, 01:31:05 UTC

Views: 20

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