Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) is tracking an active software supply chain attack targeting the popular Node Package Manager (NPM) package "axios." Between March 31, 2026, 00:21 and 03:20 UTC, an attacker introduced a malicious dependency named "plain-crypto-js" into axios NPM releases versions 1.14.1 and 0.30.4. Axios is the most popular JavaScript library used to simplify HTTP requests, and these packages typically have over 100 million and 83 million weekly downloads, respectively. This malicious dependency is an obfuscated dropper that deploys the WAVESHAPER.V2 backdoor across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Elastic Security Labs identified a supply chain compromise of the axios npm package, one of the most depended-upon packages in the JavaScript ecosystem with approximately 100 million weekly downloads. The attacker compromised a maintainer account and published backdoored versions that delivered a cross-platform Remote Access Trojan to macOS, Windows, and Linux systems through a malicious postinstall hook.
Xloader is an information stealing malware family that evolved from Formbook and targets web browsers, email clients, and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) applications. Additionally, Xloader may execute arbitrary commands and download second-stage payloads on an infected system. The author of Xloader continues to update the codebase, with the most recent observed version being 8.7. Since version 8.1, the Xloader developer applied several changes to the code obfuscation. The purpose of this blog is to describe the latest obfuscation methods and provide an in-depth analysis of the network communication protocol. We highly recommend reading our previous blogs about Xloader in order to get a better understanding of the malware’s internals.
This multi-stage fileless Remcos RAT attack leverages a phishing-delivered JavaScript dropper to trigger a reflective PowerShell loader that executes payloads entirely in memory. The infection chain utilizes obfuscation techniques like rotational XOR and Base64 encoding to reconstruct .NET payloads, significantly reducing the disk-based detection footprint. Stealth is maintained by using aspnet_compiler.exe as a LOLBin to proxy malicious execution and dynamically retrieving the final payload from a remote C2 server.
On March 31, NSFOCUS CERT detected that the npm repository of the HTTP client library Axios was poisoned by the supply chain. The attacker bypassed the normal GitHub Actions CI/CD pipeline of the project, changed the account email address of the axios maintainer to an anonymous ProtonMail address, and manually released a malicious version with a Trojan backdoor through the npm CLI. When the user installs it, a persistent remote control will be established on the host. The impact is wide-ranging, and relevant users are requested to take measures for investigation and protection as soon as possible.
This is the fifth update to the TeamPCP supply chain campaign threat intelligence report, "When the Security Scanner Became the Weapon" (v3.0, March 25, 2026). Update 004 covered developments through March 30, including the Databricks investigation, dual ransomware operations, and AstraZeneca data release. This update consolidates two days of intelligence through April 1, 2026.
The Axios NPM package was compromised through a supply chain attack attributed to North Korean threat actors. Attackers exploited a long-lived NPM access token to bypass GitHub Actions' OIDC-based CI/CD publishing workflow, enabling them to push backdoored versions of the package. This breach allows malicious code to be distributed to developers and applications relying on Axios, a widely used HTTP client library in JavaScript environments. Although no known exploits in the wild have been reported yet, the potential for widespread impact exists due to Axios's extensive use in web and mobile applications. The attack highlights vulnerabilities in CI/CD pipeline security and token management. Mitigation requires immediate revocation of compromised tokens, strengthening CI/CD authentication mechanisms, and vigilant monitoring of package integrity. Countries with significant software development sectors and heavy reliance on JavaScript ecosystems, including the United States, India, Germany, South Korea, Japan, and the United Kingdom, are most at risk. Given the ease of exploitation and potential for supply chain compromise, the severity is assessed as high despite the current low severity rating. Defenders must prioritize securing CI/CD workflows and verifying package authenticity to prevent similar attacks.
A coordinated supply chain attack targeted the axios npm package, compromising two versions (1.14.1 and 0.30.4) by injecting a malicious dependency. The attack delivered a cross-platform Remote Access Trojan to macOS, Windows, and Linux systems. The compromise occurred through the lead maintainer's npm account, bypassing normal publishing workflows. The malicious payload performed system reconnaissance, established persistence on Windows, and provided remote access capabilities. The attack affected numerous organizations and potentially exposed sensitive credentials. Immediate mitigation steps include pinning to safe versions, removing malicious dependencies, rotating credentials, and blocking the command and control server.
EvilTokens is a new Phishing-as-a-Service offering a turnkey Microsoft device code phishing kit. It enables attackers to harvest access and refresh tokens, granting unauthorized access to victims' Microsoft accounts. The kit supports post-compromise operations, allowing data exfiltration from various Microsoft services. EvilTokens has been rapidly adopted by cybercriminals since March 2026, impacting organizations globally. The service provides advanced capabilities for account takeover, including token conversion to Primary Refresh Tokens and browser cookies for persistent access. Phishing campaigns using EvilTokens target employees in finance, HR, logistics, and sales, primarily for Business Email Compromise attacks.
GhostSocks is an emerging threat that turns compromised devices into residential proxy nodes, enabling attackers to evade detection. Originally marketed on Russian underground forums as Malware-as-a-Service, it has gained popularity due to its partnership with Lumma Stealer. Written in GoLang, GhostSocks uses SOCKS5 proxy protocol and TLS encryption to blend malicious traffic into normal network activity. It also incorporates backdoor functionality for running arbitrary commands and deploying additional payloads. Darktrace observed an increase in GhostSocks activity, detecting it alongside Lumma Stealer in customer networks. The malware's versatility in converting devices into proxy nodes while enabling covert network access illustrates how threat actors maximize the value of compromised infrastructure.
CrySome is a sophisticated .NET-based remote access trojan designed for persistent command-and-control operations. It features advanced persistence mechanisms, including recovery partition abuse and offline registry modification, allowing it to survive system resets. The malware incorporates an aggressive defense evasion module, disabling security products and blocking updates. Key capabilities include command execution, file operations, surveillance, credential theft, and hidden virtual desktop control. CrySome's modular architecture and structured packet-based protocol enable a wide range of remote operations. Its emphasis on stealth, resilience, and comprehensive system control makes it a significant threat for long-term covert access to compromised environments.
A sophisticated phishing campaign targeting LinkedIn users has been identified. The attack uses fake LinkedIn message notifications to lure victims into clicking on malicious links. The emails closely mimic legitimate LinkedIn communications, including spoofed display names and formatting. Upon clicking, users are redirected to a convincing but fraudulent LinkedIn login page designed to steal credentials. The phishing page uses a deceptive domain name similar to 'LinkedIn' to further trick users. This campaign demonstrates the evolving tactics of cybercriminals in exploiting human trust and curiosity. The analysis emphasizes the importance of vigilance, source verification, and caution when interacting with seemingly routine notifications.
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Licensed malware with built-in persistence and automation enables attackers to continuously siphon credentials, session data, and cryptocurrency assets. The post Venom Stealer Raises Stakes With Continuous Credential Harvesting appeared first on SecurityWeek .
After validating stolen credentials using TruffleHog, the hacking group started AWS services enumeration and lateral movement activities. The post TeamPCP Moves From OSS to AWS Environments appeared first on SecurityWeek .
Ransomware is increasingly targeting home backups on NAS, cloud storage, and external drives. Here’s how these attacks work, and how to keep your family photos and documents safe.
An unknown threat actor compromised the npm account of an axios maintainer, publishing two malicious versions of the package. These versions introduced a dependency on plain-crypto-js, a newly created malicious package. Despite quick removal, axios's widespread usage led to rapid exposure. The malicious package includes a dropper that downloads and executes platform-specific second-stage payloads, functioning as remote access trojans. These payloads can execute remote shells, inject binaries, browse directories, list processes, and perform system reconnaissance. Organizations are advised to audit their environments, remove malicious artifacts, rotate exposed credentials, investigate potential compromise paths, and monitor for suspicious activity.
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