Malicious Code Vulnerability in developmentstelemetry Package
Summary
MAL-2026-17318: Malicious code in developmentstelemetry (npm). Affects developmentstelemetry versions 1.0.1 – 1.0.2. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The developmentstelemetry package is an npm module designed to collect telemetry data. It is intended for developers to gain insights into application usage and performance. However, this package has been found to contain malicious code that can execute arbitrary commands on the installer's machine, posing significant security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the package's post-install script, which dynamically imports the 'originaldevelopmentstelemetry@1.2.2' dependency and invokes its downloadAndRunUpdate() function. This behavior allows the external package to download and execute potentially harmful payloads without the user's consent or knowledge. The malicious nature of this code is evident as it can lead to unauthorized access and control over the installer's system.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall developmentstelemetry
If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the developmentstelemetry package altogether. If it is necessary for your project, consider isolating its use in a controlled environment where potential damage can be minimized.
Conclusion
The developmentstelemetry package poses a significant security risk due to its embedded malicious code that can execute arbitrary commands. It is essential to remove this package and monitor your applications for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert. Always stay informed about the packages you use and their security status.
See every vulnerability recorded for developmentstelemetry →
FAQ
The main issue is that it contains malicious code that can execute arbitrary commands on the user's machine during installation.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. You can check your application using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner without any signup.
If you have installed the package, it is crucial to uninstall it immediately and review your system for any unauthorized changes.
Yes, consider looking for other telemetry packages that do not have known vulnerabilities and are actively maintained.
Vulert uses your package-lock.json to monitor and alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities, ensuring your software remains secure.