Research
Security News
Malicious npm Packages Inject SSH Backdoors via Typosquatted Libraries
Socket’s threat research team has detected six malicious npm packages typosquatting popular libraries to insert SSH backdoors.
Quickly evaluate the security and health of any open source package.
trainerbase
3.5.1
Live on pypi
Blocked by Socket
The code presents significant security risks associated with arbitrary code injection and memory manipulation. The potential for exploitation is high, warranting a malware score of 0.8 and a risk score of 0.7 due to the serious implications of its functionality.
ucs-multi-series-line-chart
5.99.99
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code uses the exec function to run shell commands, which poses a significant security risk. It could potentially execute malicious code if the input to exec is manipulated. Redirecting output to /dev/null to hide execution details is suspicious.
Live on npm for 54 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
action-pubsub
0.2.1
Live on gem
Blocked by Socket
Malicious code in action-pubsub (RubyGems)
tanker-branch
1.3.2
by meow-test
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This script is exfiltrating sensitive system information to a remote server without the user's consent. This behavior is highly suspicious and poses a significant security risk.
Live on npm for 3 hours and 53 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
remove-docker-tag
1.0.1
by meow-test
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This script is exfiltrating sensitive system information to a remote server without the user's consent. It poses a significant security risk as it could lead to data leakage and potential system compromise.
Live on npm for 25 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
@zitterorg/laudantium-rerum
2.2.29
by loandinhb931
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
Malicious code in @zitterorg/laudantium-rerum (npm) Source: ghsa-malware (e45ff91dd83cc149d7abc8c6fb2c74e3509aa341e23c72cfac0a34868a4e2637) 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.
wa-wpstarter-engine
0.0.6
by robertgres
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code exhibits potential security risks, particularly in the 'spawn' function, due to the lack of input validation and potential misuse of callback functions. It should be reviewed and hardened to mitigate these risks.
Live on npm for 14 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
phanterpwa
13.13.15
by PhanterJR
Removed from pypi
Blocked by Socket
The code has potential security risks and allows for arbitrary code execution
Live on pypi for 98 days, 1 hour and 21 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
ardm_validations
1.2.0
Live on gem
Blocked by Socket
Malicious code in ardm_validations (RubyGems)
moonpig
1.0.0
by nightbloodz
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This script is attempting to exfiltrate sensitive information by sending it to a remote server. It poses a high security risk and should be considered malicious.
Live on npm for 6 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
curri-slack
4.3.8
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code exhibits malicious behavior by sending sensitive system and project information to external servers without user consent. This includes directory paths, OS hostname, user information, and the contents of `package.json`. The busy-wait loop is inefficient but not a security risk. The code is not obfuscated.
Live on npm for 20 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
discord.js-sounds
1.0.4
by discord-app-main01
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code exhibits potentially malicious behavior by downloading and executing an executable file from the internet without user consent or validation. The use of a hardcoded URL for the download, automatic execution upon file modification, and the lack of security measures around the execution of the downloaded file are particularly concerning. The presence of dead code and lack of error handling further contribute to the suspicious nature of the code.
Live on npm for 6 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
itfd
1.0.0
by vector0x1
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This script downloads content from 'https://4dii5lvq33941h0b63exuyh35ublzbn0.oastify.com'. This is considered suspicious and could be a sign of a malicious actor attempting to exploit a vulnerability in the system.
Live on npm for 2 days, 4 hours and 29 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
visitor-ui-component-library-icons
8.999.999
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code uses the exec function to run shell commands, which poses a significant security risk. It could potentially execute malicious code if the input to exec is manipulated. Redirecting output to /dev/null to hide execution details is suspicious.
Live on npm for 2 hours and 11 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
email-helper
2.0.20230806181812
by righettod
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code appears to dynamically execute code obtained from network responses based on the system platform. This behavior could be potentially dangerous and should be reviewed further to ensure it does not contain malicious or unauthorized actions.
Live on npm for 31 days and 43 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
json-lighter
0.1.1
by egolovach
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code provides JSON syntax highlighting and CSS injection functionality. However, the presence of obfuscated code that decodes and executes a base64 string poses a significant security risk. This behavior suggests potential malicious intent, such as tracking or injecting additional scripts.
Live on npm for 1 day and 14 hours before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
dot-environment
1.0.0
by janetyler9626
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The script executes a batch script and then deletes it. This behavior is potentially suspicious and could be used to hide malicious actions.
Live on npm for 5 days and 46 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
glpi-api-client
1.0.3
by atno
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is intended to authenticate users with the GLPI API. However, the presence of a `console.table` statement that logs user credentials is a severe security flaw. There is no evidence of intentional obfuscation or malware, but this security risk needs immediate attention.
Live on npm for 7 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
usage-tracker-core
13.999.999
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code uses the exec function to run shell commands, which poses a significant security risk. It could potentially execute malicious code if the input to exec is manipulated. Redirecting output to /dev/null to hide execution details is suspicious.
Live on npm for 7 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
patientenapp
9.21.1563
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is likely malicious due to its obfuscation and behavior of collecting and sending system information to a suspicious domain. This poses a significant security risk.
Live on npm for 39 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
@ljon/meterpreter-backdoor
1.0.5
by npm
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
Malicious code in @ljon/meterpreter-backdoor (npm) Source: ghsa-malware (fc8d64a22d47684bee253cf7b8c674edd75ce97c1f420c5bdf550e7fd1e145cc) 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.
open-wuji-lib
1.1.3
by xhjxhj
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This script is highly suspicious and likely malicious as it attempts to exploit SSRF vulnerabilities and execute commands on a remote server.
Live on npm for 16 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
anyamtch
3.1.2
by nsrvmzuq
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is dangerous and should not be used. The file downloaded from the external source should be verified and validated before being executed, and errors and exceptions should be handled properly.
Live on npm for 2 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
@zitterorg/laudantium-rerum
1.0.1
by loandinhb931
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
Malicious code in @zitterorg/laudantium-rerum (npm) Source: ghsa-malware (e45ff91dd83cc149d7abc8c6fb2c74e3509aa341e23c72cfac0a34868a4e2637) 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.
parallel-workers
99.99.104
by manansa1234567
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The script collects information like package details, user's home directory, hostname, username, DNS servers etc., and sends it to a remote server.
trainerbase
3.5.1
Live on pypi
Blocked by Socket
The code presents significant security risks associated with arbitrary code injection and memory manipulation. The potential for exploitation is high, warranting a malware score of 0.8 and a risk score of 0.7 due to the serious implications of its functionality.
ucs-multi-series-line-chart
5.99.99
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code uses the exec function to run shell commands, which poses a significant security risk. It could potentially execute malicious code if the input to exec is manipulated. Redirecting output to /dev/null to hide execution details is suspicious.
Live on npm for 54 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
action-pubsub
0.2.1
Live on gem
Blocked by Socket
Malicious code in action-pubsub (RubyGems)
tanker-branch
1.3.2
by meow-test
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This script is exfiltrating sensitive system information to a remote server without the user's consent. This behavior is highly suspicious and poses a significant security risk.
Live on npm for 3 hours and 53 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
remove-docker-tag
1.0.1
by meow-test
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This script is exfiltrating sensitive system information to a remote server without the user's consent. It poses a significant security risk as it could lead to data leakage and potential system compromise.
Live on npm for 25 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
@zitterorg/laudantium-rerum
2.2.29
by loandinhb931
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
Malicious code in @zitterorg/laudantium-rerum (npm) Source: ghsa-malware (e45ff91dd83cc149d7abc8c6fb2c74e3509aa341e23c72cfac0a34868a4e2637) 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.
wa-wpstarter-engine
0.0.6
by robertgres
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code exhibits potential security risks, particularly in the 'spawn' function, due to the lack of input validation and potential misuse of callback functions. It should be reviewed and hardened to mitigate these risks.
Live on npm for 14 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
phanterpwa
13.13.15
by PhanterJR
Removed from pypi
Blocked by Socket
The code has potential security risks and allows for arbitrary code execution
Live on pypi for 98 days, 1 hour and 21 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
ardm_validations
1.2.0
Live on gem
Blocked by Socket
Malicious code in ardm_validations (RubyGems)
moonpig
1.0.0
by nightbloodz
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This script is attempting to exfiltrate sensitive information by sending it to a remote server. It poses a high security risk and should be considered malicious.
Live on npm for 6 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
curri-slack
4.3.8
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code exhibits malicious behavior by sending sensitive system and project information to external servers without user consent. This includes directory paths, OS hostname, user information, and the contents of `package.json`. The busy-wait loop is inefficient but not a security risk. The code is not obfuscated.
Live on npm for 20 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
discord.js-sounds
1.0.4
by discord-app-main01
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code exhibits potentially malicious behavior by downloading and executing an executable file from the internet without user consent or validation. The use of a hardcoded URL for the download, automatic execution upon file modification, and the lack of security measures around the execution of the downloaded file are particularly concerning. The presence of dead code and lack of error handling further contribute to the suspicious nature of the code.
Live on npm for 6 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
itfd
1.0.0
by vector0x1
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This script downloads content from 'https://4dii5lvq33941h0b63exuyh35ublzbn0.oastify.com'. This is considered suspicious and could be a sign of a malicious actor attempting to exploit a vulnerability in the system.
Live on npm for 2 days, 4 hours and 29 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
visitor-ui-component-library-icons
8.999.999
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code uses the exec function to run shell commands, which poses a significant security risk. It could potentially execute malicious code if the input to exec is manipulated. Redirecting output to /dev/null to hide execution details is suspicious.
Live on npm for 2 hours and 11 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
email-helper
2.0.20230806181812
by righettod
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code appears to dynamically execute code obtained from network responses based on the system platform. This behavior could be potentially dangerous and should be reviewed further to ensure it does not contain malicious or unauthorized actions.
Live on npm for 31 days and 43 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
json-lighter
0.1.1
by egolovach
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code provides JSON syntax highlighting and CSS injection functionality. However, the presence of obfuscated code that decodes and executes a base64 string poses a significant security risk. This behavior suggests potential malicious intent, such as tracking or injecting additional scripts.
Live on npm for 1 day and 14 hours before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
dot-environment
1.0.0
by janetyler9626
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The script executes a batch script and then deletes it. This behavior is potentially suspicious and could be used to hide malicious actions.
Live on npm for 5 days and 46 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
glpi-api-client
1.0.3
by atno
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is intended to authenticate users with the GLPI API. However, the presence of a `console.table` statement that logs user credentials is a severe security flaw. There is no evidence of intentional obfuscation or malware, but this security risk needs immediate attention.
Live on npm for 7 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
usage-tracker-core
13.999.999
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code uses the exec function to run shell commands, which poses a significant security risk. It could potentially execute malicious code if the input to exec is manipulated. Redirecting output to /dev/null to hide execution details is suspicious.
Live on npm for 7 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
patientenapp
9.21.1563
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is likely malicious due to its obfuscation and behavior of collecting and sending system information to a suspicious domain. This poses a significant security risk.
Live on npm for 39 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
@ljon/meterpreter-backdoor
1.0.5
by npm
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
Malicious code in @ljon/meterpreter-backdoor (npm) Source: ghsa-malware (fc8d64a22d47684bee253cf7b8c674edd75ce97c1f420c5bdf550e7fd1e145cc) 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.
open-wuji-lib
1.1.3
by xhjxhj
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This script is highly suspicious and likely malicious as it attempts to exploit SSRF vulnerabilities and execute commands on a remote server.
Live on npm for 16 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
anyamtch
3.1.2
by nsrvmzuq
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is dangerous and should not be used. The file downloaded from the external source should be verified and validated before being executed, and errors and exceptions should be handled properly.
Live on npm for 2 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
@zitterorg/laudantium-rerum
1.0.1
by loandinhb931
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
Malicious code in @zitterorg/laudantium-rerum (npm) Source: ghsa-malware (e45ff91dd83cc149d7abc8c6fb2c74e3509aa341e23c72cfac0a34868a4e2637) 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.
parallel-workers
99.99.104
by manansa1234567
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The script collects information like package details, user's home directory, hostname, username, DNS servers etc., and sends it to a remote server.
Socket detects traditional vulnerabilities (CVEs) but goes beyond that to scan the actual code of dependencies for malicious behavior. It proactively detects and blocks 70+ signals of supply chain risk in open source code, for comprehensive protection.
Known malware
Possible typosquat attack
GitHub dependency
AI-detected potential malware
HTTP dependency
Obfuscated code
NPM Shrinkwrap
Suspicious Stars on GitHub
Protestware or potentially unwanted behavior
Unstable ownership
19 more alerts →
Bad dependency semver
Unpopular package
Wildcard dependency
Minified code
Socket optimized override available
Deprecated
Unmaintained
Critical CVE
High CVE
Medium CVE
Low CVE
Explicitly Unlicensed Item
License Policy Violation
Misc. License Issues
No License Found
Non-permissive License
Ambiguous License Classifier
Copyleft License
Unidentified License
License exception
Socket detects and blocks malicious dependencies, often within just minutes of them being published to public registries, making it the most effective tool for blocking zero-day supply chain attacks.
Socket is built by a team of prolific open source maintainers whose software is downloaded over 1 billion times per month. We understand how to build tools that developers love. But don’t take our word for it.
Nat Friedman
CEO at GitHub
Congrats to @feross and the hard-working team behind @SocketSecurity on today's launch!
Suz Hinton
Senior Software Engineer at Stripe
heck yes this is awesome!!! Congrats team 🎉👏
Matteo Collina
Node.js maintainer, Fastify lead maintainer
So awesome to see @SocketSecurity launch with a fresh approach! Excited to have supported the team from the early days.
DC Posch
Director of Technology at AppFolio, CTO at Dynasty
This is going to be super important, especially for crypto projects where a compromised dependency results in stolen user assets.
Luis Naranjo
Software Engineer at Microsoft
If software supply chain attacks through npm don't scare the shit out of you, you're not paying close enough attention.
@SocketSecurity sounds like an awesome product. I'll be using socket.dev instead of npmjs.org to browse npm packages going forward
Elena Nadolinski
Founder and CEO at Iron Fish
Huge congrats to @SocketSecurity! 🙌
Literally the only product that proactively detects signs of JS compromised packages.
Joe Previte
Engineering Team Lead at Coder
Congrats to @feross and the @SocketSecurity team on their seed funding! 🚀 It's been a big help for us at @CoderHQ and we appreciate what y'all are doing!
Josh Goldberg
Staff Developer at Codecademy
This is such a great idea & looks fantastic, congrats & good luck @feross + team!
The best security teams in the world use Socket to get visibility into supply chain risk, and to build a security feedback loop into the development process.
Yan Zhu
Head of Security at Brave, DEFCON, EFF, W3C
glad to hear some of the smartest people i know are working on (npm, etc.) supply chain security finally :). @SocketSecurity
Andrew Peterson
CEO and Co-Founder at Signal Sciences (acq. Fastly)
How do you track the validity of open source software libraries as they get updated? You're prob not. Check out @SocketSecurity and the updated tooling they launched.
Supply chain is a cluster in security as we all know and the tools from Socket are "duh" type tools to be implementing.
Zbyszek Tenerowicz
Senior Security Engineer at ConsenSys
socket.dev is getting more appealing by the hour
Devdatta Akhawe
Head of Security at Figma
The @SocketSecurity team is on fire! Amazing progress and I am exciting to see where they go next.
Ryan Noon
Founder & CEO at Material Security
The NPM ecosystem is a horrible horrible place and I'm glad you're doing something about it.
Sebastian Bensusan
Engineer Manager at Stripe
I find it surprising that we don't have _more_ supply chain attacks in software:
Imagine your airplane (the code running) was assembled (deployed) daily, with parts (dependencies) from internet strangers. How long until you get a bad part?
Excited for Socket to prevent this
Adam Baldwin
VP of Security at npm, Red Team at Auth0/Okta
Congrats to everyone at @SocketSecurity ❤️🤘🏻
Nico Waisman
CISO at Lyft
This is an area that I have personally been very focused on. As Nat Friedman said in the 2019 GitHub Universe keynote, Open Source won, and every time you add a new open source project you rely on someone else's code and you rely on the people that build it.
This is both exciting and problematic. You are bringing real risk into your organization, and I'm excited to see progress in the industry from OpenSSF scorecards and package analyzers to the company that Feross Aboukhadijeh is building!
Depend on Socket to prevent malicious open source dependencies from infiltrating your app.
Install the Socket GitHub App in just 2 clicks and get protected today.
Block 70+ issues in open source code, including malware, typo-squatting, hidden code, misleading packages, permission creep, and more.
Reduce work by surfacing actionable security information directly in GitHub. Empower developers to make better decisions.
Attackers have taken notice of the opportunity to attack organizations through open source dependencies. Supply chain attacks rose a whopping 700% in the past year, with over 15,000 recorded attacks.
Dec 14, 2023
Hijacked cryptocurrency library adds malware
Widely-used library in cryptocurrency frontend was compromised to include wallet-draining code, following the hijacking of NPM account credentials via phishing.
Jan 06, 2022
Maintainer intentionally adds malware
Rogue maintainer sabotages his own open source package with 100M downloads/month, notably breaking Amazon's AWS SDK.
Nov 15, 2021
npm discovers a platform vulnerability allowing unauthorized publishing of any package
Attackers could publish new versions of any npm package without authorization for multiple years.
Oct 22, 2021
Hijacked package adds cryptominers and password-stealing malware
Multiple packages with 30M downloads/month are hijacked and publish malicious versions directly into the software supply chain.
Nov 26, 2018
Package hijacked adding organization specific backdoors
Obfuscated malware added to a dependency which targeted a single company, went undetected for over a week, and made it into their production build.
Get our latest security research, open source insights, and product updates.
Research
Security News
Socket’s threat research team has detected six malicious npm packages typosquatting popular libraries to insert SSH backdoors.
Security News
MITRE's 2024 CWE Top 25 highlights critical software vulnerabilities like XSS, SQL Injection, and CSRF, reflecting shifts due to a refined ranking methodology.
Security News
In this segment of the Risky Business podcast, Feross Aboukhadijeh and Patrick Gray discuss the challenges of tracking malware discovered in open source softare.