MalwarePublished 14 Jul 2026

eth-dev (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects eth-devSource GCVE Database

Malicious package : remove eth-dev and rotate any secrets on hosts that installed it.

Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 15:56 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2026-10552

What to do

Remove eth-dev 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
npmeth-dev	Affected 1.0.0 – 1.0.4 5 affected builds	Fixed in–

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Description

The npm package 'eth-dev' versions 1.0.0, 1.0.1, and 1.0.2 contains malicious code that, upon being required, schedules a delayed routine to decode and execute a payload from a disguised data file. This payload installs persistence mechanisms on Linux, Windows, and macOS to run every 12 hours. It searches the user's home directory for files related to cryptocurrency wallets and seeds, then exfiltrates this sensitive data to an IPFS service using hardcoded credentials. The package masquerades as an Ethereum utilities library and uses legitimate-sounding names to evade detection.

Impact

This malicious package compromises user security by stealthily harvesting sensitive cryptocurrency wallet information and seed phrases from the user's home directory. The persistence mechanisms ensure ongoing data theft every 12 hours. Exfiltrated data is sent to a remote IPFS service, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to victims' cryptocurrency assets. The package's disguise as a legitimate Ethereum utility increases the risk of unsuspecting users installing it.

Defensive guidance

Users should immediately uninstall versions 1.0.0, 1.0.1, and 1.0.2 of 'eth-dev' and avoid installing this package. Review and remove any persistence mechanisms installed by the payload (crontab entries, Windows scheduled tasks named 'WinNodeSync', and macOS LaunchAgents named 'com.apple.syncd.plist'). Audit systems for the presence of the dropped payload file (~/.cache-db/.node-sync/syncd.js) and remove it. Monitor for suspicious network activity related to IPFS uploads. Consider restoring from backups prior to infection if sensitive data compromise is suspected.

Summary

The 'eth-dev' npm package (versions 1.0.0, 1.0.1, 1.0.2) contains embedded malicious functionality triggered on require(). It delays 37 seconds before reading a base64-encoded payload from 'test/fixtures/keypairs.dat', decodes it into a hidden file (~/.cache-db/.node-sync/syncd.js), and executes it detached. This payload installs OS-specific persistence: a crontab entry on Linux, a Windows scheduled task named 'WinNodeSync', and a macOS LaunchAgent named 'com.apple.syncd.plist'. The payload scans the user's home directory for files containing wallet-related keywords (e.g., seed, mnemonic, private keys) and uploads harvested data to Pinata IPFS using hardcoded API keys. The package uses cover-story naming to mimic legitimate system services and presents itself as an Ethereum utility library to deceive users.

References

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What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 14 Jul 2026, 09:27 UTC

Technical details

References

Community reviews