MalwarePublished 13 Jul 2026Updated 11 Nov 2026

netspeedutil (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects netspeedutilSource GCVE Database

Malicious package : remove netspeedutil and rotate any secrets on hosts that installed it.

Data as of 11 Nov 2026, 17:36 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2026-10438

What to do

Remove netspeedutil 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
npmnetspeedutil	Affected =1.0.13	Fixed in–

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Description

The npm package netspeedutil version 1.0.13 contains malicious code that compromises the build pipeline of projects using it. Upon installation, it scans for image files with a special marker, decrypts a hidden payload, and patches the build command of third-party CLIs to inject obfuscated malicious client code. This client establishes a covert WebRTC TURN connection to an attacker-controlled server, enabling remote control and injection of attacker-supplied content into the end users' browsers. The package masquerades as a utility for string matching but is actually a supply-chain malware that weaponizes production artifacts against end users.

Impact

Any system that installs or runs netspeedutil version 1.0.13 is considered fully compromised. The attacker gains persistent covert control over the build output, enabling remote code injection into end users' browsers. This compromises the integrity of production artifacts and can lead to widespread end-user exploitation. All secrets and keys stored on the compromised system should be considered exposed and must be rotated immediately from a secure environment. Simply removing the package does not guarantee removal of all malicious components due to potential persistence mechanisms.

Defensive guidance

Remove the netspeedutil package version 1.0.13 immediately from all affected systems. Rotate all secrets, credentials, and keys that were stored or used on compromised machines from a separate, secure system. Because the attacker may have full control over the system, consider rebuilding affected environments from trusted sources. Monitor for any unauthorized changes in build pipelines and artifacts.

Summary

The netspeedutil npm package (version 1.0.13) performs a build-pipeline supply-chain compromise by modifying the installer's project build process. It detects a steganographic payload in image files, decrypts it, and patches the build command to prepend an import and invocation of an inject.js script. This script uses heavy JavaScript obfuscation techniques to embed a client into the built project's index.html. The embedded client opens a WebRTC TURN connection to a hardcoded attacker IP (13.234.111.178:3478), serving as a covert command and control channel and allowing the attacker to render arbitrary DOM content to end users. The package's stated purpose is a cover story unrelated to its malicious behavior. This results in silent weaponization of production artifacts, effectively compromising the end users of any site built with this package.

References

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What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 11 Nov 2026, 17:36 UTC

Technical details

References

Community reviews