Malicious code in evil-pkg (npm)
Package declares "bin": {"node": "./shim.js"} in package.json, which registers shim.js as the node command in node_modules/.bin. In any environment where node_modules/.bin is prepended to PATH (notably Bun, but also any shell or tool that resolves binaries through the local bin directory), subsequent invocations of node — including those made by other packages' lifecycle scripts during the same install — will execute shim.js instead of the real Node.js runtime. When triggered, shim.js writes /tmp/.bun-npm-pwned and prints a hijack banner to stderr. The current payload is a benign marker, but the mechanism is a fully functional unconsented code-execution channel on the installer's machine: any code placed in shim.js would run with the installer's privileges whenever a sibling package invokes node during install. The package's own README markets this behavior as a PATH-poisoning attack proof-of-concept (BunnyHijack) and explicitly notes that a real attacker would use the same vector to exfiltrate .env, ~/.ssh, and ~/.npmrc. Hijacking a core runtime command name is not a legitimate use of the bin field and constitutes a deliberate supply-chain attack mechanism shipped to the registry.
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-2026-6374 is recorded against 1 package.
Published on 24 June 2026 and last revised on 20 August 2026. No public exploit is currently recorded for this entry. Record sourced from OSV.
www.npmjs.com (Package)
www.npmjs.com (Package)
www.npmjs.com (Package)
www.npmjs.com (Package)
www.npmjs.com (Package)
www.npmjs.com (Package)
github.com (Advisory)
evil-pkg has other advisories on record. If you are patching this one, these are worth checking on the same host:
Details
Affected Packages
| Software | From version | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| evil-pkg | — | — |
References
Similar Threats
Free Vulnerability Check
BotEraser helps you identify potentially vulnerable plugins and themes by checking your installation against MAL-2026-6374 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.