Skip to main content

Malicious code in technical-challenge (npm)

0
High
Published: 08/05/2026 (08/05/2026, 13:14:00 UTC)
Source: GCVE Database
Product: technical-challenge

Description

--- _-= Per source details. Do not edit below this line.=-_ ## Source: amazon-inspector (6921f72a1b4fbaaba87fcbe3cb30137815e7e2bb932ffa794acd0010b8954c5f) package.json declares `preinstall: node index.js`, causing index.js to run automatically on `npm install`. The script collects installer-side data — hostname, username, home directory, DNS server list, current working directory, package.json contents, and the contents of /etc/passwd and /etc/hosts — and HTTPS-POSTs it to a hardcoded Burp Collaborator subdomain at 5z5h9l8e7cktx1ihl6usn4zgb7h15rtg.oastify.com. The exfiltration fires unconditionally on install with no user interaction. ## Source: ghsa-malware (fb3a6a289e12028cd0778c9ca9e56392a64003291be3756d28490d76c491e249) Any computer that has this package installed or running should be considered fully compromised. All secrets and keys stored on that computer should be rotated immediately from a different computer. The package should be removed, but as full control of the computer may have been given to an outside entity, there is no guarantee that removing the package will remove all malicious software resulting from installing it.

Affected software

npmghsa
technical-challenge
Affected versions
=1.0.1

Run on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.

AI-Powered Analysis

Machine-generated threat intelligence

AILast updated: 08/05/2026, 16:57:20 UTC

Technical Analysis

The 'technical-challenge' npm package version 1.0.1 includes a malicious preinstall script that executes automatically on 'npm install'. This script gathers extensive system and environment information such as hostname, username, home directory, DNS servers, current directory, package.json contents, and sensitive system files (/etc/passwd and /etc/hosts). It then sends this data to a hardcoded external server controlled by the attacker. This behavior constitutes a supply chain attack vector through a malicious npm package.

Potential Impact

Sensitive system and environment information is exfiltrated to an attacker-controlled server without user consent or interaction. This can lead to privacy violations, reconnaissance for further attacks, and potential compromise of the affected system. The automatic execution on install increases the risk of widespread impact if the package is widely used.

Mitigation Recommendations

No official patch or remediation is indicated in the provided data. Users should avoid installing version 1.0.1 of the 'technical-challenge' package. Verify the integrity and source of npm packages before installation. Monitor for updates or advisories from the package maintainer or npm registry regarding this issue. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory or npm security advisories for current remediation guidance.

Pro Console: star threats, build custom feeds, automate alerts via Slack, email & webhooks.Upgrade to Pro

Technical Details

Gcve Source
db.gcve.eu
Osv Id
MAL-2026-12809
Osv Schema Version
1.7.4
Ecosystems
["npm"]

Threat ID: 6a735740bf8831d539153770

Added to database: 08/05/2026, 15:31:12 UTC

Last enriched: 08/05/2026, 16:57:20 UTC

Last updated: 09/14/2026, 23:32:37 UTC

Views: 20

Community Reviews

0 reviews

Crowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.

Sort by
Loading community insights…

Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.

Actions

PRO

Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.

Please log in to the Console to use AI analysis features.

Need more coverage?

Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.

For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.

Latest Threats

Breach by OffSeqOFFSEQFRIENDS — 25% OFF

Check if your credentials are on the dark web

Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.

Scan now
OffSeq TrainingCredly Certified

Lead Pen Test Professional

Technical5-day eLearningPECB Accredited
View courses