Critical Malicious Code Vulnerability in react-dnd-legacy-html5-backend Package
Summary
MAL-2026-657: Malicious code in react-dnd-legacy-html5-backend (npm). Affected versions are not published. 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 react-dnd-legacy-html5-backend package is a legacy backend for the React DnD library, which facilitates drag-and-drop functionality in React applications. It is widely used in web development to enhance user interfaces by allowing users to drag and drop elements seamlessly. However, this package has been compromised, leading to severe security risks for any application that utilizes it.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the react-dnd-legacy-html5-backend package. This code can fully compromise any computer that has the package installed, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information such as secrets and keys. The malicious nature of the code is classified under CWE-506, indicating that it contains embedded malicious code. Users should be aware that simply removing the package may not eliminate all traces of the malicious software, as full control of the affected computer may have been granted to an external entity.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall react-dnd-legacy-html5-backend
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 workaround, consider using alternative libraries for drag-and-drop functionality in React applications, such as 'react-dnd' or 'react-beautiful-dnd'. These libraries do not have the same vulnerabilities and can provide similar features without the associated risks.
Conclusion
The react-dnd-legacy-html5-backend package contains malicious code that poses a significant security risk. Users are advised to uninstall the package immediately and rotate any sensitive information. It is essential to consider alternative libraries for drag-and-drop functionality to maintain the security of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for react-dnd-legacy-html5-backend →
FAQ
Immediately uninstall the react-dnd-legacy-html5-backend package and rotate any sensitive information 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 any signup.
No, there is currently no patched version available for this package. It is recommended to remove it and use alternatives.
Failing to address this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and full compromise of the affected system.
Yes, you can use the main react-dnd library, which is not affected by this vulnerability, instead of the legacy backend.