Malicious code in setup-codex (npm)
Description
The npm package 'setup-codex' version 1.0.0 contains malicious code that exfiltrates sensitive host information. It collects host identity data, shell command outputs, and file contents, then sends this data via HTTPS POST to a hardcoded third-party webhook at hooks.zapier.com. This behavior is not part of any legitimate setup functionality and represents credential and host reconnaissance exfiltration.
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The 'setup-codex' npm package version 1.0.0 includes a malicious module (lib/report.js) that requires Node.js modules child_process, fs, https, and os. It constructs an HTTPS POST request to a hardcoded external webhook (hooks.zapier.com), sending collected data including host identity (os.hostname(), os.userInfo()), outputs from synchronous shell commands (execSync()), and contents read from the filesystem (fs.readFileSync()). This exfiltration of sensitive information occurs during installation and is indicative of malicious intent rather than legitimate package behavior.
Potential Impact
Sensitive host information including user identity, hostname, shell command outputs, and file contents can be exfiltrated to an external attacker-controlled endpoint. This can lead to credential theft, host reconnaissance, and potential further compromise of the affected system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Users should immediately uninstall version 1.0.0 of the 'setup-codex' package and avoid using it. Since no patch or remediation is provided, users should seek alternative trusted packages. Monitor for any unauthorized data exfiltration and review system integrity if this package was installed.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-14219
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
Threat ID: 6a85b4c7acd9273b4925282b
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 13:51:03 UTC
Last enriched: 08/19/2026, 14:37:19 UTC
Last updated: 10/02/2026, 13:52:27 UTC
Views: 44
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