MalwarePublished 19 Jun 2026Updated 9 Jul 2026

eth-util (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects eth-utilSource GCVE Database

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

Data as of 10 Jul 2026, 10:05 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2026-6201

What to do

Remove eth-util 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-util	Affected =7.1.5	Fixed in–

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Description

The npm package 'eth-util' is a malicious impersonation of the legitimate '@ethereumjs/util' package. It copies the README, repository URL, badges, contributor list, and API from the legitimate project but injects a hidden dependency 'assert-kit' in the compiled code that executes arbitrary code when required. Installing or running this package can lead to full system compromise, requiring immediate secret and key rotation and package removal.

Impact

Any system with 'eth-util' version 7.1.5 installed or running is considered fully compromised. The malicious code can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user running the package. This compromises all secrets and keys stored on the system, necessitating immediate rotation from a separate, trusted environment. Removing the package alone may not eliminate all malicious artifacts or backdoors introduced by the attacker.

Defensive guidance

Remove the 'eth-util' package version 7.1.5 immediately from all affected systems. Rotate all secrets, keys, and credentials that were stored or used on compromised systems from a secure, uncompromised environment. Monitor for any signs of persistent compromise or additional malicious software.

Summary

The 'eth-util' package on npm impersonates the legitimate '@ethereumjs/util' by copying its public-facing metadata and API. However, the published npm tarball includes a post-compile injected require statement for 'assert-kit', a dependency not present in the source code. This dependency allows execution of arbitrary top-level code upon requiring 'eth-util'. The 'assert-kit' package is named to mimic Node's built-in 'assert' module and is declared with a caret version range (^4.3.2), enabling the attacker to deliver arbitrary code in future minor or patch updates. This behavior effectively compromises any system that installs or runs 'eth-util'.

References

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What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 10 Jul 2026, 10:05 UTC

Technical details

References

Community reviews