n8n-nodes-data-transformer-utilsnpm
Advisory published Updated
n8n-nodes-data-transformer-utils is a confirmed malicious npm package (MAL-2026-16418) that steals credentials and exfiltrates sensitive data (malicious version 1.0.0). Do not install it — remove it immediately and rotate any exposed credentials.
Malicious code in n8n-nodes-data-transformer-utils (npm)
What this malware does
The package's postinstall.js runs automatically on npm install and combines child_process.execSync with http/https.request and multiple curl invocations to collect host information (including reads of /etc/hosts) and POST/GET the results to a remote endpoint. The file uses a hardcoded hostname target, executes shell commands to gather system data, and transmits it over HTTP without any relation to the package's advertised data-transformation purpose. The package name mimics the n8n community-node naming convention, providing a lure for users seeking legitimate n8n utilities. Installing the package on default settings triggers immediate host reconnaissance and outbound exfiltration to an attacker-controlled destination.
Malicious versions
Indicators of compromise (SHA-256)
Detection & response playbook
Credential / info stealerFind it
Search your lockfiles and build artifacts for n8n-nodes-data-transformer-utils (version 1.0.0).
If you installed it — respond
n8n-nodes-data-transformer-utils is built to steal secrets, so assume every credential the build or runtime could read is compromised. Remove it from your project and lockfile, then rotate ALL exposed secrets — npm/registry tokens, cloud keys, CI/CD secrets, SSH keys, and any .env values — from a known-clean machine. Audit logs for unauthorized use of those credentials.
Did it already run?
If n8n-nodes-data-transformer-utils 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
Detect & block this
O3 blocks n8n-nodes-data-transformer-utils-class packages before install and in CI — and if it already ran, its runtime egress monitoring catches the credential exfiltration and severs the channel.