Malicious npm packages use devious backdoors to target users

Date:
Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:02:00 +0000

Description:
Two malicious downloaders were recently found on npm targeting blockchain developers.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Security
researchers from Reversing Labs find two malicious packages on npm These serve as downloaders and target software developers building on the Ethereum blockchain The malware opens a reverse shell and grants attackers access to target computers

Two malicious packages were recently discovered on the npm repository using dubious backdoors to target their users.

Cybersecurity researchers from Reversing Labs discovered two packages WHICH were uploaded to the popular repository in early March 2025 named ethers-provider2, and ethers-providerz - names carefully chosen to trick victims into thinking they have something to do with a legitimate package called ethers.

The ethers package on npm is a JavaScript library for interacting with the Ethereum blockchain, allowing developers to send transactions, deploy smart contracts, and read blockchain data. It provides a simple and secure API for working with Ethereum wallets, smart contracts, and decentralized
applications (dApps).

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The two malicious packages served as downloaders, updating the legitimate package and turning it sour.

These were simple downloaders whose malicious payload was cleverly hidden, with a second stage that patches the legitimate npm package ethers, installed locally, with a new file containing the malicious payload, the researchers explained. That patched file ultimately serves a reverse shell.

With a reverse shell, the attackers force the victims computer to initiate a connection back to the hackers machine, granting them the ability to run commands, steal data, or install malware , while successfully bypassing firewalls and similar security measures.

For the researchers at Reversing Labs, the approach is highly sophisticated.

Since the malware targets the ethers package, its safe to assume that the victims here are blockchain developers working on the Ethereum platform. And since the malware can act as an infostealer, its also safe to assume that the threat actors are going for peoples cryptocurrencies.

As usual, the best way to mitigate the threat and protect against these attacks is to be extra careful when downloading open source packages.

Via BleepingComputer You might also like Hundreds of malware-laden fake npm packages posted online to try and trick developers We've rounded up the best password managers Take a look at our guide to the best authenticator app



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/malicious-npm-packages-use-devious-back doors-to-target-users


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