OpenSSF/OSV advisory MAL-2026-12809 confirms this npm version as malicious. 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...
Source
OpenSSF Malicious Packages via OSV
Summary
Malicious code in technical-challenge (npm)
Details
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.
Decision reason
OpenSSF Malicious Packages via OSV confirms technical-challenge@1.0.1 as malicious (MAL-2026-12809): Malicious code in technical-challenge (npm)