Malicious code in webpack-cache-reset (npm)
The npm package 'webpack-cache-reset' version 0.1.4 contains malicious code that executes attacker-controlled JavaScript during installation. It uses a postinstall hook to fetch and run a remote payload from an obfuscated URL, impersonating a legitimate webpack utility to trick users into installing it. Systems with this package installed should be considered fully compromised, and all secrets on those systems should be rotated immediately. Removal of the package alone may not eliminate the compromise.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The 'webpack-cache-reset' npm package (version 0.1.4) includes a postinstall script that hex-decodes a URL to fetch a JSON payload from an anonymous paste host. This payload is written to a temporary file and executed in a detached child Node.js process, allowing arbitrary remote code execution on the installer's machine. The package masquerades as a webpack utility by using a misleading README and repository URL to lure users. Due to the execution of attacker-controlled code at install time, any system with this package installed is considered fully compromised.
Potential Impact
Installation of this package results in arbitrary remote code execution on the affected system, potentially allowing attackers full control. This compromises all secrets and keys stored on the machine. Because the malicious code runs during installation and may install additional malware, simply removing the package does not guarantee full remediation.
Mitigation Recommendations
Users should immediately remove the 'webpack-cache-reset' package version 0.1.4 if installed. All secrets and keys on affected systems must be rotated from a different, trusted machine. Due to the severity of the compromise, a full system investigation and potential rebuild is recommended. No official patch or fix is available; avoidance and removal are the only mitigations.
Malicious code in webpack-cache-reset (npm)
Description
The npm package 'webpack-cache-reset' version 0.1.4 contains malicious code that executes attacker-controlled JavaScript during installation. It uses a postinstall hook to fetch and run a remote payload from an obfuscated URL, impersonating a legitimate webpack utility to trick users into installing it. Systems with this package installed should be considered fully compromised, and all secrets on those systems should be rotated immediately. Removal of the package alone may not eliminate the compromise.
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The 'webpack-cache-reset' npm package (version 0.1.4) includes a postinstall script that hex-decodes a URL to fetch a JSON payload from an anonymous paste host. This payload is written to a temporary file and executed in a detached child Node.js process, allowing arbitrary remote code execution on the installer's machine. The package masquerades as a webpack utility by using a misleading README and repository URL to lure users. Due to the execution of attacker-controlled code at install time, any system with this package installed is considered fully compromised.
Potential Impact
Installation of this package results in arbitrary remote code execution on the affected system, potentially allowing attackers full control. This compromises all secrets and keys stored on the machine. Because the malicious code runs during installation and may install additional malware, simply removing the package does not guarantee full remediation.
Mitigation Recommendations
Users should immediately remove the 'webpack-cache-reset' package version 0.1.4 if installed. All secrets and keys on affected systems must be rotated from a different, trusted machine. Due to the severity of the compromise, a full system investigation and potential rebuild is recommended. No official patch or fix is available; avoidance and removal are the only mitigations.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-5580
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Aliases
- ["GHSA-x29m-589q-wmg6"]
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
- Database Specific Severity
- null
- Cvss Version
- null
Threat ID: 6a577eea68715ace43b41281
Added to database: 07/15/2026, 12:36:58 UTC
Last enriched: 07/15/2026, 12:53:26 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 20:12:07 UTC
Views: 34
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