matlab-azure-devops-extensionnpm
Advisory published Updated
matlab-azure-devops-extension is a confirmed malicious npm package (MAL-2026-12400) that opens a backdoor for remote access (malicious versions 1.0.1, 1.1.1). Do not install it — remove it immediately and rotate any exposed credentials.
Malicious code in matlab-azure-devops-extension (npm)
What this malware does
The package's preinstall script (node index.js) auto-executes on npm install and collects host identifiers (os.hostname(), os.userInfo().username, home directory, DNS servers) along with the contents of /etc/passwd and /etc/hosts, then POSTs them via HTTPS to a hardcoded Burp Collaborator subdomain at 2ru8qr34u3so6bnti176tzt30u6muci1.oastify.com. The package name mimics an Azure DevOps MATLAB extension but ships no legitimate functionality (empty author, empty description); the package exists only to run the exfil beacon. Consistent with a dependency-confusion / recon probe.
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.
Malicious versions
Indicators of compromise (SHA-256)
Detection & response playbook
Backdoor / remote accessFind it
Search your lockfiles and build artifacts for matlab-azure-devops-extension (2 malicious versions).
If you installed it — respond
matlab-azure-devops-extension establishes remote access, so treat any host that installed it as fully compromised. Isolate the machine, remove the package, rotate all credentials it could reach, and rebuild from a trusted image rather than cleaning in place — a backdoor may have planted additional persistence.
Did it already run?
If matlab-azure-devops-extension was installed, its post-install payload may already have run. Removing the package does not undo that — check outbound connections and credential use from the install window onward.
Frequently asked questions
Campaign
References
Credits
- Amazon Inspector · finder
- ReversingLabs · finder
Detect & block this
O3 blocks matlab-azure-devops-extension-class packages before install and in CI — and if it already ran, its runtime egress monitoring catches the C2 callback and severs the channel.