Malicious code in web3-token-helper (npm)
The npm package web3-token-helper contains malicious code that executes attacker-controlled binaries when its main API function calculateFee() is called. It downloads and runs platform-specific payloads that establish persistence on Windows, Linux, and macOS by impersonating trusted system components. The package's postinstall script is non-functional, so the malicious activity triggers only upon explicit use of the API. Any system with this package installed or running should be considered fully compromised.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The web3-token-helper npm package (versions 1.0.0, 1.0.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.2.0, 1.2.1, and 2.0.1) contains a malicious dropper in its main export. The calculateFee() function base64-decodes and executes platform-specific commands that download attacker binaries from a typosquatted domain. On Windows, it downloads a PowerShell executable to the Startup folder; on Linux, it installs a Python script with crontab persistence; on macOS, it runs a binary in /tmp with a name mimicking a trusted component. The package does not trigger on install but on first API call. This results in full system compromise with persistence mechanisms across major OSes. Secrets and keys on affected systems should be considered compromised.
Potential Impact
Systems with this package installed and the calculateFee() function invoked are fully compromised. The attacker gains remote code execution and persistence on Windows, Linux, and macOS. The malicious payload impersonates trusted OS components to evade detection. All secrets, credentials, and keys stored on the compromised system are at risk and should be rotated immediately. Removing the package alone does not guarantee removal of all malicious artifacts or backdoors.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or fix is available for this malicious package. Immediate removal of the web3-token-helper package from all systems is required. Assume full compromise of affected hosts and perform comprehensive incident response, including secret and key rotation from a clean environment. Monitor for and remove any attacker-installed persistence mechanisms. Avoid using this package or any forks derived from it.
Malicious code in web3-token-helper (npm)
Description
The npm package web3-token-helper contains malicious code that executes attacker-controlled binaries when its main API function calculateFee() is called. It downloads and runs platform-specific payloads that establish persistence on Windows, Linux, and macOS by impersonating trusted system components. The package's postinstall script is non-functional, so the malicious activity triggers only upon explicit use of the API. Any system with this package installed or running should be considered fully compromised.
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The web3-token-helper npm package (versions 1.0.0, 1.0.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.2.0, 1.2.1, and 2.0.1) contains a malicious dropper in its main export. The calculateFee() function base64-decodes and executes platform-specific commands that download attacker binaries from a typosquatted domain. On Windows, it downloads a PowerShell executable to the Startup folder; on Linux, it installs a Python script with crontab persistence; on macOS, it runs a binary in /tmp with a name mimicking a trusted component. The package does not trigger on install but on first API call. This results in full system compromise with persistence mechanisms across major OSes. Secrets and keys on affected systems should be considered compromised.
Potential Impact
Systems with this package installed and the calculateFee() function invoked are fully compromised. The attacker gains remote code execution and persistence on Windows, Linux, and macOS. The malicious payload impersonates trusted OS components to evade detection. All secrets, credentials, and keys stored on the compromised system are at risk and should be rotated immediately. Removing the package alone does not guarantee removal of all malicious artifacts or backdoors.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or fix is available for this malicious package. Immediate removal of the web3-token-helper package from all systems is required. Assume full compromise of affected hosts and perform comprehensive incident response, including secret and key rotation from a clean environment. Monitor for and remove any attacker-installed persistence mechanisms. Avoid using this package or any forks derived from it.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- MAL-2026-6274
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.4
- Aliases
- ["GHSA-3w2v-mxgh-g2fw"]
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
- Database Specific Severity
- null
- Cvss Version
- null
Threat ID: 6a50ba9168715ace435822da
Added to database: 07/10/2026, 09:25:37 UTC
Last enriched: 07/10/2026, 10:08:18 UTC
Last updated: 07/21/2026, 04:25:47 UTC
Views: 5
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