Malicious code in cards-forms-cards-core-clone (npm)
The npm package 'cards-forms-cards-core-clone' version 35.3.2 is a malicious package that executes a dropper upon import. It reconstructs command-and-control (C2) hostnames and downloads a platform-specific executable, which it writes to temporary directories and executes detached from the main process. If the primary C2 hosts are unreachable, it uses a DNS-TXT-based fallback to retrieve a base64-encoded payload. The package mimics a legitimate forms/cards library but contains no legitimate functionality beyond executing malicious code.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This threat involves a malicious npm package named 'cards-forms-cards-core-clone' at version 35.3.2. Upon requiring the package, it loads a runtime script that detects the operating system and CPU architecture, reconstructs C2 hostnames from fragmented strings, and downloads a platform-specific executable over HTTPS. The executable is saved under disguised filenames in temporary directories, given executable permissions, and launched detached from the main process. If the primary C2 servers are unreachable, the package falls back to a DNS-TXT-based delivery mechanism that reassembles a base64-encoded payload from subdomains. The package does not provide any legitimate functionality and acts solely as a dropper for malicious binaries.
Potential Impact
The package enables remote code execution on the host system by downloading and executing a platform-specific binary from attacker-controlled servers. This can lead to full system compromise depending on the payload delivered. The use of fallback DNS-TXT channels indicates resilience in payload delivery, increasing the likelihood of successful infection. The malicious behavior occurs immediately upon package import, posing a high risk to any environment where this package is installed and used.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation is currently available for this malicious package. The best mitigation is to avoid installing or using the 'cards-forms-cards-core-clone' package, especially version 35.3.2. Remove any instances of this package from your environment and audit systems for signs of the dropped payload or related suspicious activity. Use trusted sources and verify package authenticity before installation.
Malicious code in cards-forms-cards-core-clone (npm)
Description
The npm package 'cards-forms-cards-core-clone' version 35.3.2 is a malicious package that executes a dropper upon import. It reconstructs command-and-control (C2) hostnames and downloads a platform-specific executable, which it writes to temporary directories and executes detached from the main process. If the primary C2 hosts are unreachable, it uses a DNS-TXT-based fallback to retrieve a base64-encoded payload. The package mimics a legitimate forms/cards library but contains no legitimate functionality beyond executing malicious code.
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This threat involves a malicious npm package named 'cards-forms-cards-core-clone' at version 35.3.2. Upon requiring the package, it loads a runtime script that detects the operating system and CPU architecture, reconstructs C2 hostnames from fragmented strings, and downloads a platform-specific executable over HTTPS. The executable is saved under disguised filenames in temporary directories, given executable permissions, and launched detached from the main process. If the primary C2 servers are unreachable, the package falls back to a DNS-TXT-based delivery mechanism that reassembles a base64-encoded payload from subdomains. The package does not provide any legitimate functionality and acts solely as a dropper for malicious binaries.
Potential Impact
The package enables remote code execution on the host system by downloading and executing a platform-specific binary from attacker-controlled servers. This can lead to full system compromise depending on the payload delivered. The use of fallback DNS-TXT channels indicates resilience in payload delivery, increasing the likelihood of successful infection. The malicious behavior occurs immediately upon package import, posing a high risk to any environment where this package is installed and used.
Defensive Guidance
No official patch or remediation is currently available for this malicious package. The best mitigation is to avoid installing or using the 'cards-forms-cards-core-clone' package, especially version 35.3.2. Remove any instances of this package from your environment and audit systems for signs of the dropped payload or related suspicious activity. Use trusted sources and verify package authenticity before installation.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-12523
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Aliases
- []
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
- Database Specific Severity
- null
- Cvss Version
- null
Threat ID: 6a735731bf8831d53913cf54
Added to database: 08/05/2026, 15:30:57 UTC
Last enriched: 08/05/2026, 15:46:13 UTC
Last updated: 08/05/2026, 20:43:45 UTC
Views: 3
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