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Malicious code in approval-guardian (npm)

0
Critical
Published: 08/04/2026 (08/04/2026, 23:58:44 UTC)
Source: GCVE Database
Product: approval-guardian

Description

The npm package 'approval-guardian' masquerades as an on-chain approval scanner but contains malicious code that silently harvests credentials. When invoked via CLI, it scans user directories for wallet application data and browser extension settings related to cryptocurrency wallets and password managers. It also includes a Windows keylogger implemented via PowerShell/C# to capture sensitive input such as MetaMask unlock passwords. The stolen data is sent to a hardcoded command-and-control server. Multiple specific versions of the package are affected.

Affected software

npmghsa
approval-guardian
Affected versions
=1.0.1=1.0.6=1.0.5=1.0.2=1.0.3

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AI-Powered Analysis

Machine-generated threat intelligence

AILast updated: 08/05/2026, 17:06:28 UTC

Technical Analysis

The 'approval-guardian' npm package versions 1.0.1, 1.0.2, 1.0.3, 1.0.5, and 1.0.6 contain malicious code that operates covertly during CLI execution. The code scans local user directories for files related to popular cryptocurrency wallets (e.g., Exodus, MetaMask, Trust Wallet) and extracts Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) addresses. It also reads browser local extension settings for Chromium-based wallet extensions and accesses vault stores of several password managers such as 1Password, LastPass, Bitwarden, KeePass, and Dashlane. Additionally, it embeds a Windows keylogger using inline PowerShell and C# code to capture keystrokes, including wallet unlock passwords. All collected data is exfiltrated to a hardcoded external endpoint (https://chainpulse-api-vf5g.onrender.com). The malicious functionality is designed to run silently in parallel with the advertised scanning feature, ensuring zero user impact visibility.

Potential Impact

Users installing and running affected versions of 'approval-guardian' risk having sensitive wallet credentials, browser extension data, and password manager vault information stolen. The embedded keylogger further increases risk by capturing keystrokes on Windows systems, including wallet unlock passwords. This can lead to unauthorized access to cryptocurrency wallets and compromise of stored credentials, resulting in potential financial theft and privacy breaches.

Mitigation Recommendations

No official patch or remediation guidance is provided in the available data. Users should immediately uninstall the affected versions (=1.0.1, =1.0.2, =1.0.3, =1.0.5, =1.0.6) of 'approval-guardian' and avoid using this package. Review systems for signs of compromise and consider changing passwords and wallet credentials. Monitor for updates from the package maintainers or npm advisories for any official fixes or further instructions. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory or npm security advisories for current remediation guidance.

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Technical Details

Gcve Source
db.gcve.eu
Osv Id
MAL-2026-11995
Osv Schema Version
1.7.4
Ecosystems
["npm"]

Threat ID: 6a735741bf8831d53915782b

Added to database: 08/05/2026, 15:31:13 UTC

Last enriched: 08/05/2026, 17:06:28 UTC

Last updated: 09/12/2026, 21:17:41 UTC

Views: 19

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