Threats Tagged 'axios'

A supply chain attack targeting Axios npm package versions 1.14.1 and 0.30.4 introduced a malicious transitive dependency ([email protected]) that executed during installation. The attack deploys cross-platform payloads across Linux, Windows, and macOS through a consistent pattern: Node.js spawns OS-native shells to retrieve and execute remote payloads in detached or hidden contexts. Linux victims receive a Python-based RAT, Windows systems get a PowerShell backdoor with registry persistence, and macOS hosts are compromised with a Mach-O binary backdoor. All variants beacon to the same C2 infrastructure, performing host fingerprinting, process enumeration, filesystem reconnaissance, and arbitrary code execution. The malicious activity is reliably detected through behavioral signatures focusing on unusual Node.js process ancestry and remote payload retrieval rather than static indicators.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Axios user agent activity has surged by 241% from June to August 2025, outpacing other flagged user agents. Attacks combining Axios with Direct Send achieved a 70% success rate in recent campaigns, significantly higher than non-Axios campaigns. The combination exploits Direct Send's trusted nature and Axios's lightweight design to bypass traditional security defenses. Attackers are using Axios to automate phishing, credential stealing, and API exploitation at unprecedented scale. The campaign initially targeted high-profile individuals in finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, but has expanded to include everyday users. Organizations are advised to implement robust detection mechanisms for suspicious user-agent activity, particularly Axios-related patterns, to mitigate this evolving threat.

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