• bunee
• August 30, 2023
• No Comments

Surprise! Those Clean Packages May House Dirty Secrets

• An unidentified culprit is exploiting harmful npm packages that aim to extract source code and configuration files from the unsuspecting developers’ systems.
• The antagonist has been engaged in such sketchy activity since 2021.
• These signals indicate constant threats present in open-source repositories, as reported by software supply chain security company Checkmarx.

Cyber Malefactor Armed with npm Packages

Here’s a not-so-fun fact for all the package-loving developers out there. A mysterious villain seems to have taken a liking to malicious npm packages. Their end game? To sneakily snatch your source code and configuration files. So, you could be unwittingly gifting away your secrets while humming to “npm install.” Now, that’s what I call a package deal!

The Antagonist Afoot Since 2021

To add a little spice to this tale, the malefactor isn’t some amateur just experimenting with npm packages over a weekend. Nah, this person (or group, we still don’t know) has been stirring trouble since 2021. Talk about commitment to the bad guy cause!

A Constant Bump Threat in Open-Source Repositories

Now here’s the kicker. All this skulduggery isn’t an ephemeral fluke but a lasting blot on the otherwise clean and open lands of open-source repositories. And guess who is left picking up the mess? Our friendly neighborhood software supply chain security firm, Checkmarx. These guys better see a salary hike after tidying up such chaos.

Summary

In summary, there is a phantom thief playing fast and loose within the developer community. Using npm packages as their weapon of choice, they’ve been on the prowl since 2021, aiming to snatch valuable source code and configuration files. Open-source repositories, usually seen as a boon, now appear to be a lurking danger zone for unsuspecting developers. That’s why companies like Checkmarx are there to protect the neighborhood. In this developer saga, they’re the Marvel hero we need, but don’t necessarily deserve. Dang, developing used to be such a ‘contained’ profession!

Original Article: https://thehackernews.com/2023/08/malicious-npm-packages-aim-to-target.html