Critical Malicious Code Vulnerability in @hrmony/benefit-essenszuschuss Package
Summary
MAL-2026-17253: Malicious code in @hrmony/benefit-essenszuschuss (npm). Affects @hrmony/benefit-essenszuschuss versions 3.99.0. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The @hrmony/benefit-essenszuschuss package is an npm module designed for handling HR and benefits functionalities within applications. However, it has been compromised with malicious code that exploits cloud and container secrets, posing a significant security risk to any system utilizing this package.
Vulnerability Detail
This vulnerability originates from the package's top-level code, which executes upon import. It is designed to harvest sensitive cloud and container secrets, including AWS IAM role credentials and Kubernetes service-account tokens. The malicious code sends this sensitive information to a hardcoded endpoint controlled by an attacker. The implications of this vulnerability are severe, as any system running this package can be considered fully compromised, leading to potential data breaches and unauthorized access to critical resources.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall @hrmony/benefit-essenszuschussIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can isolate the affected application from the network to prevent data exfiltration while you work on removing the package. Additionally, rotate all secrets and keys stored on the affected system from a secure environment.
Conclusion
The @hrmony/benefit-essenszuschuss package contains a critical vulnerability due to embedded malicious code that compromises cloud and container secrets. Immediate action is required to remove the package and secure any affected systems. Utilizing tools like Vulert can aid in ongoing monitoring for vulnerabilities in your applications.
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FAQ
Immediately remove the package and rotate any secrets or keys stored on the affected system.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without needing to sign up.
Failure to address this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, potential data breaches, and full compromise of the affected system.
Yes, you can isolate the application from the network to prevent data exfiltration and rotate all secrets stored on the affected system.
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