The threat involves three malicious npm packages—bitcoin-main-lib, bitcoin-lib-js, and bip40—discovered in November 2025, which were designed to deliver NodeCordRAT, a novel remote access Trojan targeting Node.js environments. These packages masqueraded as legitimate Bitcoin-related libraries to trick developers into installing them, exploiting the trust model of the npm ecosystem. Once installed, NodeCordRAT establishes command-and-control communication via Discord, a popular chat platform, allowing attackers to remotely control infected hosts. The malware is capable of harvesting Chrome browser credentials, extracting sensitive secrets including MetaMask cryptocurrency wallet data, and performing host fingerprinting to gather system information. It can execute arbitrary shell commands, capture screenshots, and exfiltrate collected data to the attacker. This attack vector leverages software supply chain vulnerabilities, a critical concern in modern development practices where third-party packages are widely used. Although the malicious packages were eventually removed from the npm registry, the incident underscores the persistent risk of supply chain attacks in open-source ecosystems. No CVE or known exploits in the wild have been reported, but the malware’s capabilities pose significant risks to confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data. The threat is particularly relevant to developers and organizations involved in cryptocurrency, web development, and those relying heavily on npm packages. The use of Discord for C2 communication complicates detection as it blends with legitimate traffic. This case highlights the need for enhanced package vetting, runtime monitoring, and credential security in development environments.

For European organizations, the impact of NodeCordRAT can be substantial, especially for those engaged in cryptocurrency, fintech, and software development sectors. The malware’s ability to steal browser credentials and MetaMask wallet data threatens the confidentiality of sensitive financial assets and user information. Host fingerprinting and shell command execution capabilities allow attackers to gain persistent and deep control over infected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, intellectual property theft, and lateral movement within networks. The use of Discord for command-and-control can evade traditional network security monitoring, increasing the risk of prolonged undetected compromise. Organizations relying on npm packages for development risk supply chain contamination, which can propagate malware into production environments. This could disrupt operations, damage reputations, and incur regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is compromised. The incident also raises concerns about the security of open-source software supply chains, which are integral to European digital infrastructure. Overall, the threat could lead to significant financial loss, operational disruption, and erosion of trust in software supply chains.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered approach to mitigate this threat: 1) Enforce strict vetting and validation of npm packages before inclusion in projects, including verifying package authorship and checking for suspicious package names mimicking legitimate libraries. 2) Employ automated tools to scan dependencies for known malicious indicators and anomalous behavior. 3) Monitor outbound network traffic for unusual connections to Discord or other uncommon C2 channels, using advanced network detection systems. 4) Implement credential protection mechanisms such as browser credential vaults, multi-factor authentication, and secrets management to reduce the impact of credential theft. 5) Use runtime application self-protection (RASP) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect suspicious shell command executions and screenshot captures. 6) Educate developers on supply chain risks and encourage the use of trusted package registries or private mirrors. 7) Regularly audit and update dependencies to remove any malicious or outdated packages. 8) Establish incident response plans specifically addressing supply chain compromises. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on supply chain hygiene, network anomaly detection, and credential security tailored to the NodeCordRAT threat vector.