Malicious code in async-mutex-hook (npm)
The npm package async-mutex-hook version 2.1.0 is a malicious package that masquerades as a Promise-based mutex library but contains no actual mutex implementation. Instead, it executes attacker-controlled JavaScript code by fetching a payload from a hardcoded IP address and running it with full Node.js privileges. The package includes unrelated dependencies commonly used for stealing browser credentials and Windows DPAPI secrets, indicating its intent to facilitate credential theft.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The async-mutex-hook npm package version 2.1.0 is a malicious package that pretends to provide mutex functionality but instead downloads and executes remote JavaScript code from a hardcoded IP address (https://46.183.25.232:45000/icons/108). This code is executed via a dynamic Function constructor with injected Node.js environment objects, granting the attacker full control over the host environment. The package's declared dependencies (@primno/dpapi, better-sqlite3/sqlite3, node-machine-id) are unrelated to mutex functionality and are typical tools for harvesting browser cookies, login databases, and Windows DPAPI secrets, confirming the package's malicious intent.
Potential Impact
If installed, this package allows remote attacker-controlled code execution with full Node.js privileges on the host machine. This can lead to theft of sensitive credentials, including browser cookies, login databases, and Windows DPAPI-protected secrets, potentially compromising user accounts and system security.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation is currently documented. Users and organizations should avoid installing or using the async-mutex-hook package version 2.1.0. Remove any installations of this package from projects and dependency trees. Use trusted sources and verify package authenticity before installation. Monitor for any suspicious activity related to credential theft if this package was previously installed.
Malicious code in async-mutex-hook (npm)
Description
The npm package async-mutex-hook version 2.1.0 is a malicious package that masquerades as a Promise-based mutex library but contains no actual mutex implementation. Instead, it executes attacker-controlled JavaScript code by fetching a payload from a hardcoded IP address and running it with full Node.js privileges. The package includes unrelated dependencies commonly used for stealing browser credentials and Windows DPAPI secrets, indicating its intent to facilitate credential theft.
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The async-mutex-hook npm package version 2.1.0 is a malicious package that pretends to provide mutex functionality but instead downloads and executes remote JavaScript code from a hardcoded IP address (https://46.183.25.232:45000/icons/108). This code is executed via a dynamic Function constructor with injected Node.js environment objects, granting the attacker full control over the host environment. The package's declared dependencies (@primno/dpapi, better-sqlite3/sqlite3, node-machine-id) are unrelated to mutex functionality and are typical tools for harvesting browser cookies, login databases, and Windows DPAPI secrets, confirming the package's malicious intent.
Potential Impact
If installed, this package allows remote attacker-controlled code execution with full Node.js privileges on the host machine. This can lead to theft of sensitive credentials, including browser cookies, login databases, and Windows DPAPI-protected secrets, potentially compromising user accounts and system security.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation is currently documented. Users and organizations should avoid installing or using the async-mutex-hook package version 2.1.0. Remove any installations of this package from projects and dependency trees. Use trusted sources and verify package authenticity before installation. Monitor for any suspicious activity related to credential theft if this package was previously installed.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-12339
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
Threat ID: 6a735746bf8831d539159f7f
Added to database: 08/05/2026, 15:31:18 UTC
Last enriched: 08/05/2026, 17:27:35 UTC
Last updated: 09/18/2026, 02:24:21 UTC
Views: 20
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