MalwarePublished 16 Jun 2026Updated 13 Jul 2026

speed4 (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects speed4Source GCVE Database

Malicious package : remove speed4 and rotate any secrets on hosts that installed it.

Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 15:56 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2026-5938

What to do

Remove speed4 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
npmspeed4	Affected =1.1.7 =2.0.0	Fixed in–

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Description

The npm package speed4 version 1.1.7 is part of a malicious namespace-squatting campaign distributing deceptive and attacker-controlled content. The package contains a script that clones itself under multiple similar package names and publishes identical malicious payloads. The payload includes a deceptive HTML page that redirects users to an unrelated third-party domain and bundles heavily obfuscated JavaScript assets. Installing this package can lead to full system compromise, and removal alone may not eliminate all malicious software.

Impact

Any system with speed4@1.1.7 installed should be considered fully compromised. The malicious package can execute deceptive content and potentially allow attackers to control the affected system. Secrets and keys stored on the compromised system are at risk and should be rotated immediately. Removal of the package does not guarantee full remediation due to possible persistence of other malicious components.

Defensive guidance

Remove the speed4@1.1.7 package immediately from all affected systems. Rotate all secrets and keys that were stored or accessible on the compromised system using a separate, trusted device. Conduct a thorough investigation for additional malware or persistence mechanisms, as removing the package alone may not fully restore system integrity. Monitor for any suspicious activity related to the package or its clones. Patch status is not applicable as this is a malicious package, not a vulnerability with a vendor fix.

Summary

The speed4@1.1.7 npm package is identified as malicious, belonging to a self-cloning namespace-squatting family. It includes an auto-publish.sh script that replicates the package under five similar names by modifying package.json and publishing clones. The tarball contains nested directories confirming multiple replications. The package metadata is generic and suspicious. The main payload is a deceptive HTML page that registers event handlers to open a third-party URL in a new browser tab. Additionally, the package bundles multiple heavily obfuscated JavaScript files duplicated across clones. Installing or pulling this package delivers an attacker-controlled payload that can compromise the host system.

References

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What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 13 Jul 2026, 09:23 UTC

Technical details

References

Community reviews