MalwarePublished 14 Jul 2026Updated 17 Jul 2026

chain-sdk-js (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects chain-sdk-jsSource GCVE Database

Malicious package : remove chain-sdk-js and rotate any secrets on hosts that installed it.

Data as of 17 Sep 2026, 17:06 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2026-10608

What to do

Remove chain-sdk-js from every project, lockfile and image that pulls it in. Treat any host that installed it as compromised: rotate the credentials, tokens and keys it could read, from a clean machine.

Affected software

Product	Affected	Fixed in
npmchain-sdk-js	Affected 1.0.2 – 1.0.6 5 affected builds	Fixed in–

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Description

chain-sdk-js is a malicious typosquatting npm package impersonating the legitimate @thetalabs/theta-js SDK. It decrypts and executes attacker-controlled code upon import, potentially compromising any system that installs it. The malicious payload is hidden in a separate dependency and performs outbound network activity. This package targets Theta blockchain developers who manage sensitive wallet and private-key data. Systems with this package installed should be considered fully compromised, and all secrets should be rotated immediately.

Impact

Any system that installs and imports chain-sdk-js is at risk of full compromise, as the package executes attacker-controlled code with the privileges of the user running the package. This can lead to theft of secrets, private keys, and other sensitive data. The presence of outbound network activity suggests potential data exfiltration or command and control communication. The compromise is severe enough that all secrets on the affected system should be considered compromised and rotated from a clean environment.

Defensive guidance

The recommended mitigation is immediate removal of the chain-sdk-js package and any related dependencies such as thedata. Because the package executes arbitrary code, any system with this package installed should be treated as fully compromised. All secrets and keys stored on the system must be rotated from a different, uncompromised device. Users should verify package names carefully to avoid typosquatting attacks and rely only on official sources for dependencies.

Summary

The chain-sdk-js npm package is a typosquatting malicious package mimicking the legitimate Theta Labs SDK. Upon require or import, it DES-decrypts an opaque payload from a co-installed dependency using a hardcoded password, then executes the decrypted code in a spawned Node.js child process. The payload is separated into a different dependency to evade static analysis. The executed code includes hardcoded network calls, indicating outbound communication. This behavior allows the attacker to run arbitrary code with the installer's privileges, risking full system compromise. The package specifically targets developers working with Theta blockchain wallets and private keys.

References

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What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 17 Sep 2026, 17:06 UTC

Technical details

References

Community reviews