Summary
Togoder Security scanned the npm package chai@6.2.2 on Oct 6, 2026. An AI review of 3 source files produced 1 medium, 4 low severity findings. The overall verdict is medium: the findings flag risky but common patterns (dynamic code, unsafe defaults, broad file or network access) rather than confirmed malware.
Findings 5
Global scope pollution
NPS-B637A21CC8A3
The code assigns the imported 'assert' function to the global object (globalThis). This modifies the global namespace, which can lead to conflicts with other libraries or built-in modules, and may be used to override or shim global functions in unexpected ways. While not inherently malicious, it is a code smell and could be exploited if the imported module is compromised.
Global namespace pollution
NPS-DA77F02ED7C9
The code assigns the 'expect' function to globalThis, making it globally available. While not inherently malicious, this modifies the global scope which could lead to conflicts or unexpected behavior in other modules. It does not exfiltrate data or execute suspicious code.
Top-level code execution
NPS-387C2DAE3833
The file runs code at import time by assigning to globalThis. This is a common pattern for test frameworks to expose globals, but it is a minor red flag as it executes upon import without explicit user action.
Global namespace pollution
NPS-30E52AA70DE5
The code assigns a function to globalThis.should at import time. This modifies the global object, which can cause side effects that affect the entire runtime environment and could potentially be used to override or interfere with other libraries or application code.
Top-level code execution on import
NPS-8C1A36C9D705
The file executes code immediately upon import (calling should() and assigning to globalThis), which is a pattern that can be used for malicious purposes, though here it appears benign.
Files reviewed
| File | Verdict | What the reviewer saw |
|---|---|---|
| register-assert.js | medium | The code pollutes the global scope by attaching an imported assert function to globalThis, which is a potential security concern but not clearly malicious. |
| register-expect.js | medium | The code safely exposes the 'expect' function globally but shows no malicious patterns such as data exfiltration, credential harvesting, or dynamic code execution. |
| register-should.js | medium | The code is a simple assertion library registration that pollutes the global namespace but shows no clear malicious behavior such as data exfiltration, credential harvesting, or remote code execution. |
Scanned versions of chai
| Version | Verdict | Files | Scanned |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2.2 | Needs review | 3 | Oct 6, 2026 |
Frequently asked questions
Is chai safe to use?
No confirmed malware was found in chai@6.2.2, but the review flagged 1 medium, 4 low severity findings for risky patterns worth checking before you rely on it.
Does chai contain malware?
No malware was identified in chai@6.2.2 when Togoder Security scanned it on Oct 6, 2026. A new version can still introduce malicious code, so scan the exact versions in your lockfile.
How was chai checked?
Togoder Security downloaded the published npm package and had an AI model read its 3 source files, looking for install scripts, credential access, network exfiltration, obfuscation, backdoors and crypto-wallet theft. The results are cached by file hash and shown here.
How do I scan chai together with the rest of my dependencies?
Upload your lockfile at https://security.togoder.click/scan or call the API documented at https://security.togoder.click/api-docs. Files that have already been scanned, like the ones in chai@6.2.2, cost nothing.