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Malicious code in @cryptosrvc/shift-exchange-root (npm)

0
High
Published: 08/05/2026 (08/05/2026, 13:07:03 UTC)
Source: GCVE Database
Product: @cryptosrvc/shift-exchange-root

Description

The npm package @cryptosrvc/shift-exchange-root contains malicious code that executes a postinstall script collecting detailed environment and system information from the installer. This data includes hostname, username, environment variables with credential-like names, network interface IPs, and CI indicators. The collected information is sent unencrypted to a hardcoded external server. The package name mimics a legitimate package, suggesting a typosquatting or dependency confusion attack vector.

Affected software

npmghsa
@cryptosrvc/shift-exchange-root
Affected versions
=3.9.9=2.9.9=1.9.9

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AI-Powered Analysis

Machine-generated threat intelligence

AILast updated: 08/05/2026, 17:08:33 UTC

Technical Analysis

The malicious npm package @cryptosrvc/shift-exchange-root runs a postinstall script (dist/recon.js) that gathers reconnaissance data such as the installer's hostname, username, SUDO_USER, home directory, current working directory, local network IP addresses, DNS domain, environment variable names, and a filtered subset of environment variables containing credential-related keywords. This data is sent via HTTP POST to a hardcoded DigitalOcean IP address (138.68.108.20) on port 80. The package's main entry point is unrelated to telemetry, indicating the telemetry functionality is hidden. The package name closely resembles a legitimate package (@shiftforex/shift-exchange-root), consistent with a typosquatting or dependency confusion attack designed to trick users into installing it. The collected data could facilitate targeted follow-on attacks against the compromised environment.

Potential Impact

The malicious package exfiltrates sensitive reconnaissance data from the victim's environment, including host identity, internal network topology, and environment variables that may contain credentials or tokens. This information disclosure can enable attackers to conduct targeted attacks, escalate privileges, or move laterally within the victim's infrastructure. The data is transmitted unencrypted, increasing the risk of interception. The presence of this package in a software supply chain can compromise the security of affected systems and potentially any connected networks.

Mitigation Recommendations

No official patch or remediation is currently documented. Users should avoid installing the @cryptosrvc/shift-exchange-root package, especially versions =3.9.9, =2.9.9, and =1.9.9. Verify package names carefully to avoid typosquatting attacks and use trusted sources and package registries. Monitor for and remove any installations of this package. Consider scanning existing environments for the presence of this package and investigate any suspicious network traffic to the indicated IP address. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory or npm security advisories for updates.

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Technical Details

Gcve Source
db.gcve.eu
Osv Id
MAL-2026-12316
Osv Schema Version
1.7.4
Ecosystems
["npm"]

Threat ID: 6a735742bf8831d539159087

Added to database: 08/05/2026, 15:31:14 UTC

Last enriched: 08/05/2026, 17:08:33 UTC

Last updated: 09/07/2026, 22:31:09 UTC

Views: 50

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