MalwarePublished 13 Jul 2026Updated 14 Aug 2026

@torbeck/priority-queue (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects @torbeck/priority-queueSource GCVE Database

Malicious package : remove @torbeck/priority-queue and rotate any secrets on hosts that installed it.

Data as of 14 Aug 2026, 19:52 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2026-10472

What to do

Remove @torbeck/priority-queue 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
npm@torbeck/priority-queue	Affected =6.3.9 =6.3.7 =6.3.6	Fixed in–

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Description

The npm package @torbeck/priority-queue republishes the legitimate @datastructures-js/priority-queue package but uses npm aliasing to substitute a dependency with a malicious package @torbeck/heap. This substitution causes the malicious @torbeck/heap package to be loaded instead of the legitimate dependency, potentially compromising any system that installs @torbeck/priority-queue. The malicious payload resides in @torbeck/heap and can lead to full system compromise. Immediate removal and secret/key rotation are recommended if this package was installed.

Impact

Any computer with @torbeck/priority-queue installed is at risk of full compromise due to the malicious dependency substitution. Attackers may gain full control, potentially accessing all secrets and keys stored on the system. Removal of the package alone does not guarantee eradication of the compromise, necessitating secret and key rotation from a clean environment.

Defensive guidance

Remove the @torbeck/priority-queue package immediately if installed. Rotate all secrets and keys stored on the affected system from a different, trusted computer. Because the malicious payload resides in the aliased @torbeck/heap package, ensure no remnants remain. Monitor for any suspicious activity and consider system reimaging if compromise is suspected.

Summary

The @torbeck/priority-queue npm package is a repackaged version of the legitimate @datastructures-js/priority-queue, but it abuses npm alias syntax in its package.json to replace the legitimate @datastructures-js/heap dependency with a malicious sibling package @torbeck/heap@4.3.8 published by the same untrusted maintainer. When @torbeck/priority-queue is imported, it loads the malicious @torbeck/heap package instead of the legitimate heap package, enabling potential full compromise of the host system. The malicious code is contained in @torbeck/heap and must be analyzed separately. Systems with this package installed should be considered fully compromised.

References

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What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 14 Aug 2026, 19:52 UTC

Technical details

References

Community reviews