48 Malicious npm Packages Found Deploying Reverse Shells on Developer Systems

48 Malicious npm Packages Found Deploying Reverse Shells on Developer Systems

November 3, 2023 at 09:42AM

48 malicious npm packages containing obfuscated JavaScript have been discovered in the npm repository. These packages, uploaded by an npm user named hktalent, can deploy a reverse shell on compromised systems. The attack is triggered post-installation, establishing a reverse shell to rsh.51pwn[.]com. This highlights the increasing interest of threat actors in open-source environments.

Key takeaways from the meeting notes:

1. A new set of 48 malicious npm packages have been discovered in the npm repository. These packages are designed to deploy a reverse shell on compromised systems.
2. The counterfeit packages were published by an npm user named hktalent, and as of now, 39 of them are still available for download.
3. The attack is triggered after the installation of the package, using an install hook in the package.json file to establish a reverse shell connection.
4. The attacker used deceptive tactics and obfuscation techniques to make the packages appear legitimate and avoid detection.
5. This incident follows recent revelations of malicious packages on the Python Package Index (PyPI) that targeted sensitive Telegram Desktop application data.
6. The increasing interest of threat actors in open-source environments highlights the need for trust and security in dependency management in our open-source ecosystems.

Please let me know if you need any further information or clarification on these points.

Full Article