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.
usage-tracker-core
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 22 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
azure-graphrbac
6.25.1000
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is highly suspicious. It collects and exfiltrates various system details and potentially sensitive project information to external servers. This behavior is indicative of malicious activity, including data theft.
Live on npm for 1 hour before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
ac-event-emitter
1.3.999
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is highly suspicious and exhibits several characteristics of malware. It is obfuscated, collects sensitive system information, and sends this information to a remote server using a covert method. The risk, malware, and obfuscation scores should all be high due to the serious nature of these activities.
Live on npm for 1 minute before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
moti-dep-con-test
0.7.0
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This package was removed from the npm registry for security reasons.
Live on npm for 22 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
extension-bold
213.21.24
by exzuperi12
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is potentially malicious as it collects and sends system information to a remote server without user consent. The use of a suspicious domain and the inclusion of a Telegram contact link further raise concerns about the intent of this code.
Live on npm for 8 hours and 48 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
@wellsfargo/qa
418.4.1
by neversummer.69
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
This code is intentionally obfuscated and uses DNS queries to exfiltrate system information, which could be a significant security risk. The hardcoded domain and the potential data exfiltration raise concerns about privacy violations. This package should be reviewed carefully before being used.
cds-fonts
99.99.99
by 0xstrait
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code appears to send system data over the network to a remote server, which could potentially be used for malicious purposes.
Live on npm for 8 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
greybel-c2-agent
0.1.5
by ayecue
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code fragment contains obfuscated code and uses unconventional coding patterns, such as dynamic code execution using eval() and regular expressions for file matching. These characteristics raise concerns about the security and maintainability of the code. The lack of clear error handling or logging further adds to the potential risks of using this code.
Live on npm for 1 day, 21 hours and 50 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
asset-bender
10.999.999
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 51 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
sc-cmt
1.99.101
by zloesabo
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code exhibits clear malicious behavior by collecting and transmitting sensitive system data to a suspicious domain without user consent. The presence of a hostname check indicates an attempt to avoid detection on specific machines. Overall, this code poses a significant security risk.
Live on npm for 39 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
tgs-history4
1.1.1
by jayeshrathod
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code raises some security concerns due to potential untrusted input in the 'createReplicatedHistory' function. The presence of the 'createReplicatedHistory' function with complex logic also raises suspicion. However, without the complete context and usage of the code, it's hard to determine the actual security risks and the presence of malicious behavior.
Live on npm for 7 hours and 13 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
babelpugintransformreactjsx
1.2.0
by 17b4a931
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This code poses a serious security risk and should not be used.
Live on npm for 2 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
utilitytools
0.0.9
Removed from pypi
Blocked by Socket
The code downloads and executes an executable file from a hardcoded URL without any validation or safety checks. This poses a significant security risk and is a common pattern in malware distribution.
Live on pypi for 1 hour and 13 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
set-species
99.10.13
by tq2ksdym
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The script collects and sends information like package details, hostname, username, directory contents, and IP addresses to a remote server. It may pose a risk to user privacy and security.
fhempy
0.1.20
Live on pypi
Blocked by Socket
The code performs several potentially risky operations such as downloading and executing binaries from external sources, running network services, and using Telnet for remote command execution. These actions pose significant security risks, including the possibility of introducing malicious code and exposing the system to network-based attacks. However, there is no explicit evidence of malicious intent in the code itself.
verif-email
2.8.0
by a90409577
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The source code is likely malicious because it executes an unrelated system command within an email verification function and sends potentially sensitive data to a remote server. There is a high probability that this is a backdoor intended for data exfiltration.
Live on npm for 1 hour and 35 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
@zitterorg/laudantium-rerum
2.3.34
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.
greybel-c2-agent
0.1.8
by ayecue
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code appears to be safe in terms of the system where the script is running, but it interacts with the game in a potentially unauthorised way, which might be against the game's rules. Therefore, it might pose a risk if used inappropriately. It is recommended to use this script with caution and only in a manner consistent with the game's terms of service.
Live on npm for 2 days, 5 hours and 52 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
socket.oi
4.5.5
by xwlazssz
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code snippet is engaging in potentially malicious behavior by attempting to encrypt and overwrite files on the system. It poses a high security risk due to the possibility of data loss and unauthorized access.
Live on npm for 1 hour and 48 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
hardhat-gas-report
1.1.32
by wangxianxiu
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This script is checking the operating system and running a PowerShell script on Windows. While this behavior is not inherently malicious, it could potentially execute arbitrary code on the system, which poses a security risk.
Live on npm for 4 days, 8 hours and 33 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
@zitterorg/laudantium-rerum
2.3.32
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.
aou-ui
0.0.3
by hellotry2
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code exhibits malicious behavior by collecting and sending sensitive system information to an external server without user consent. This is indicative of data exfiltration, posing a significant security risk.
Live on npm for 8 days, 17 hours and 1 minute before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
dv-sol-lib
1.0.11
by arijan-kokolari
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The code transmits the user's private key to an external API endpoint at 'https://pumpapi[.]fun/api/trade' during token trading operations. This exposes sensitive credentials over the network, leading to potential unauthorized access and loss of user funds. The external API may not be trustworthy, and sending private keys over unsecured channels poses a significant security threat.
grenache-nodejs-example-fib-client
99.10.10
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code engages in potentially malicious behavior by collecting sensitive system information and sending it to a remote server without clear user consent. The hard-coded domain, data obfuscation, and lack of transparency raise significant privacy and security concerns. The risk score is high due to the invasive nature of the code.
Live on npm for 13 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
azure-graphrbac
7.7.0
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is engaging in unauthorized data collection and transmission of sensitive system and user information to external servers, indicating potential malicious intent. The risk and malware scores are high due to the serious nature of these actions.
Live on npm for 12 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
usage-tracker-core
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 22 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
azure-graphrbac
6.25.1000
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is highly suspicious. It collects and exfiltrates various system details and potentially sensitive project information to external servers. This behavior is indicative of malicious activity, including data theft.
Live on npm for 1 hour before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
ac-event-emitter
1.3.999
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is highly suspicious and exhibits several characteristics of malware. It is obfuscated, collects sensitive system information, and sends this information to a remote server using a covert method. The risk, malware, and obfuscation scores should all be high due to the serious nature of these activities.
Live on npm for 1 minute before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
moti-dep-con-test
0.7.0
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This package was removed from the npm registry for security reasons.
Live on npm for 22 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
extension-bold
213.21.24
by exzuperi12
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is potentially malicious as it collects and sends system information to a remote server without user consent. The use of a suspicious domain and the inclusion of a Telegram contact link further raise concerns about the intent of this code.
Live on npm for 8 hours and 48 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
@wellsfargo/qa
418.4.1
by neversummer.69
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
This code is intentionally obfuscated and uses DNS queries to exfiltrate system information, which could be a significant security risk. The hardcoded domain and the potential data exfiltration raise concerns about privacy violations. This package should be reviewed carefully before being used.
cds-fonts
99.99.99
by 0xstrait
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code appears to send system data over the network to a remote server, which could potentially be used for malicious purposes.
Live on npm for 8 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
greybel-c2-agent
0.1.5
by ayecue
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code fragment contains obfuscated code and uses unconventional coding patterns, such as dynamic code execution using eval() and regular expressions for file matching. These characteristics raise concerns about the security and maintainability of the code. The lack of clear error handling or logging further adds to the potential risks of using this code.
Live on npm for 1 day, 21 hours and 50 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
asset-bender
10.999.999
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 51 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
sc-cmt
1.99.101
by zloesabo
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code exhibits clear malicious behavior by collecting and transmitting sensitive system data to a suspicious domain without user consent. The presence of a hostname check indicates an attempt to avoid detection on specific machines. Overall, this code poses a significant security risk.
Live on npm for 39 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
tgs-history4
1.1.1
by jayeshrathod
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code raises some security concerns due to potential untrusted input in the 'createReplicatedHistory' function. The presence of the 'createReplicatedHistory' function with complex logic also raises suspicion. However, without the complete context and usage of the code, it's hard to determine the actual security risks and the presence of malicious behavior.
Live on npm for 7 hours and 13 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
babelpugintransformreactjsx
1.2.0
by 17b4a931
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This code poses a serious security risk and should not be used.
Live on npm for 2 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
utilitytools
0.0.9
Removed from pypi
Blocked by Socket
The code downloads and executes an executable file from a hardcoded URL without any validation or safety checks. This poses a significant security risk and is a common pattern in malware distribution.
Live on pypi for 1 hour and 13 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
set-species
99.10.13
by tq2ksdym
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The script collects and sends information like package details, hostname, username, directory contents, and IP addresses to a remote server. It may pose a risk to user privacy and security.
fhempy
0.1.20
Live on pypi
Blocked by Socket
The code performs several potentially risky operations such as downloading and executing binaries from external sources, running network services, and using Telnet for remote command execution. These actions pose significant security risks, including the possibility of introducing malicious code and exposing the system to network-based attacks. However, there is no explicit evidence of malicious intent in the code itself.
verif-email
2.8.0
by a90409577
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The source code is likely malicious because it executes an unrelated system command within an email verification function and sends potentially sensitive data to a remote server. There is a high probability that this is a backdoor intended for data exfiltration.
Live on npm for 1 hour and 35 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
@zitterorg/laudantium-rerum
2.3.34
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.
greybel-c2-agent
0.1.8
by ayecue
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code appears to be safe in terms of the system where the script is running, but it interacts with the game in a potentially unauthorised way, which might be against the game's rules. Therefore, it might pose a risk if used inappropriately. It is recommended to use this script with caution and only in a manner consistent with the game's terms of service.
Live on npm for 2 days, 5 hours and 52 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
socket.oi
4.5.5
by xwlazssz
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code snippet is engaging in potentially malicious behavior by attempting to encrypt and overwrite files on the system. It poses a high security risk due to the possibility of data loss and unauthorized access.
Live on npm for 1 hour and 48 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
hardhat-gas-report
1.1.32
by wangxianxiu
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This script is checking the operating system and running a PowerShell script on Windows. While this behavior is not inherently malicious, it could potentially execute arbitrary code on the system, which poses a security risk.
Live on npm for 4 days, 8 hours and 33 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
@zitterorg/laudantium-rerum
2.3.32
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.
aou-ui
0.0.3
by hellotry2
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code exhibits malicious behavior by collecting and sending sensitive system information to an external server without user consent. This is indicative of data exfiltration, posing a significant security risk.
Live on npm for 8 days, 17 hours and 1 minute before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
dv-sol-lib
1.0.11
by arijan-kokolari
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The code transmits the user's private key to an external API endpoint at 'https://pumpapi[.]fun/api/trade' during token trading operations. This exposes sensitive credentials over the network, leading to potential unauthorized access and loss of user funds. The external API may not be trustworthy, and sending private keys over unsecured channels poses a significant security threat.
grenache-nodejs-example-fib-client
99.10.10
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code engages in potentially malicious behavior by collecting sensitive system information and sending it to a remote server without clear user consent. The hard-coded domain, data obfuscation, and lack of transparency raise significant privacy and security concerns. The risk score is high due to the invasive nature of the code.
Live on npm for 13 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
azure-graphrbac
7.7.0
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is engaging in unauthorized data collection and transmission of sensitive system and user information to external servers, indicating potential malicious intent. The risk and malware scores are high due to the serious nature of these actions.
Live on npm for 12 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
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.