Malicious code in fetch-runtime (npm)
Package name is 'fetch-runtime' but the source is a copy of npm's 'make-fetch-happen' (repository, README, and author metadata all reference make-fetch-happen). lib/index.js adds two exported constants, userAgent and fetchEngine, holding opaque base64-shaped strings that are never used inside this package: they are not decoded, invoked, fetched, exec'd, or transmitted at install or import time. The package has no install/lifecycle scripts and no top-level network I/O. In isolation, installing or requiring fetch-runtime does not perform exfiltration, remote code execution, credential theft, or persistence. The concerning shape is the rebrand of a well-known library combined with planted inert blobs on exported names — a pattern consistent with a two-stage design where a separate consumer package would read these exports and use them as a URL/key/payload — but no such consumer or use is present within this tarball, and the name resemblance is not by itself a threat.
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.
MAL-2026-13763 is recorded against 1 package.
Published on 11 August 2026 and last revised on 12 August 2026. No public exploit is currently recorded for this entry. Record sourced from OSV.
github.com (Advisory)
www.npmjs.com (Package)
www.npmjs.com (Package)
www.npmjs.com (Package)
www.npmjs.com (Package)
Details
Affected Packages
| Software | From version | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| fetch-runtime | — | — |
References
Free Vulnerability Check
BotEraser helps you identify potentially vulnerable plugins and themes by checking your installation against MAL-2026-13763 and other known CVE records.
Scan My Site Free →No credit card required · Results in minutes
ⓘ Data Notice: The information presented above has been compiled from publicly available internet sources. Boteraser aggregates this data solely for informational purposes and does not independently classify, evaluate, or endorse any findings about the vulnerabilities listed. The accuracy and completeness of this information is the sole responsibility of the original publishers. Boteraser and its operators accept no liability for any decisions made based on this data.
Stay up to date with the latest from Boteraser.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site, you consent to cookies.
Manage your cookie preferences below:
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
CloudFlare provides web performance and security solutions, enhancing site speed and protecting against threats.
Service URL: developers.cloudflare.com (opens in a new window)
These cookies are needed for adding comments on this website.
These cookies are used for managing login functionality on this website.
Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.
Service URL: policies.google.com (opens in a new window)
You can find more information in our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.