The sme-auth-core npm package version 20.9.2 includes malicious functionality where its index.js loads _init.js, which fetches an opaque binary payload from obfuscated Cloudflare Workers hosts and DNS-TXT fallback domains. The fetched binary is saved under disguised names in temporary directories, given executable permissions, and spawned detached via shell commands. The fetch and execution are TTL-gated to run approximately once every 5.7 hours and are skipped if environment variables DISABLE_TELEMETRY or DO_NOT_TRACK are set. The package claims to be an identity-provider client but does not legitimately require native binaries, indicating the payload is attacker-controlled code executing on every host requiring the module. This compromises the host fully.

Any system with sme-auth-core version 20.9.2 installed or running is considered fully compromised. The malicious payload grants attackers remote code execution capabilities, potentially allowing full control over the affected host. All secrets and keys stored on the compromised system are at risk and should be rotated immediately from a secure environment. Removing the package alone does not guarantee removal of all malicious artifacts or backdoors.

No official patch or fix is currently available for sme-auth-core version 20.9.2. Immediate removal of the package from all systems is recommended. All secrets, credentials, and keys stored on affected hosts should be rotated from a different, uncompromised system. Due to the nature of the compromise, consider rebuilding or thoroughly cleaning affected systems to ensure removal of all malicious components. Monitor for any suspicious activity related to this package and avoid using sme-auth-core until a trusted version is released.