11/05/2025-11/12/2025 126 Npm Package Targeting GitHub-Owned Repositories, Vibe-Coded Malicious VS Code Extension, Malicious NuGet Packages And More

1. Npm Package Targeting GitHub-Owned Repositories Flagged as Red Team Exercise

Cybersecurity researchers uncovered a malicious npm package, “@acitons/artifact,” that mimics GitHub’s legitimate “@actions/artifact” to target GitHub-owned repositories.The goal was to execute a script during GitHub builds, steal access tokens, and publish malicious artifacts.Six versions (4.0.12–4.0.17) contained a post-install hook that downloaded malware, though the latest npm version (4.0.10) is clean. The package, uploaded on October 29, 2025, had over 47,000 total downloads before the malicious versions were removed. Another similar package, “8jfiesaf83,” was downloaded about 1,000 times before removal. Analysis showed the malware downloaded a “harness” binary and executed “verify.js” to extract GitHub workflow data, sending it in encrypted form to a GitHub subdomain. GitHub later confirmed the incident was part of a Red Team security exercise, stating no systems or data were ever at risk.

2. Vibe-Coded Malicious VS Code Extension Found with Built-In Ransomware Capabilities

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a malicious VS Code extension with basic ransomware capabilities, believed to be AI-generated or “vibe-coded.” Dubbed “susvsex,” the extension was uploaded to the marketplace on November 5, 2025, by “suspublisher18.” It was designed to automatically zip, upload, and encrypt files from a test directory upon activation. Microsoft has since removed it.

Fortunately, its impact was limited by its target directory, but the code could be easily updated. The extension also used a private GitHub repository for command-and-control (C2), polling for new instructions and exfiltrating results.

In a separate incident, Datadog uncovered 17 malicious npm packages posing as legitimate SDKs. These packages, published by now-banned accounts, secretly deployed the Vidar information stealer—marking its first appearance in the npm registry. The attack leveraged postinstall scripts to download and execute the malware from a remote server.

These events highlight the persistent threat of software supply chain attacks, underscoring the need for developers to exercise caution by reviewing packages and their dependencies before use.

3. GlassWorm Malware Discovered in Three VS Code Extensions with Thousands of Installs

Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered three new Visual Studio Code extensions tied to the GlassWorm campaign, showing ongoing attacks on the VS Code ecosystem. The extensions — ai-driven-dev.ai-driven-dev (3,402 downloads), adhamu.history-in-sublime-merge (4,057), and yasuyuky.transient-emacs (2,431) — remain available online. First revealed by Koi Security, GlassWorm spreads through malicious VS Code extensions to steal credentials, drain cryptocurrency wallets, and install remote-access tools. It hides code using invisible Unicode characters, enabling self-replication and wider compromise.

Although Open VSX removed earlier malicious extensions and revoked tokens on October 21, 2025, new variants have reappeared, using blockchain-based command-and-control (C2) mechanisms for persistence. Researchers found the attacker’s exposed server listing victims across the U.S., South America, Europe, and Asia, including a Middle Eastern government entity.

4. Malicious NuGet Packages Drop Disruptive ‘Time Bombs’

Researchers at Socket found nine malicious NuGet packages published under shanhai666 that include sabotage payloads scheduled to trigger between Aug 8, 2027 and Nov 29, 2028, targeting .NET database libraries and Siemens S7 PLCs. The packages (including Sharp7Extend) mix legitimate functionality with a ~20-line malicious payload implemented via C# extension methods so it runs transparently on each DB or PLC operation.

On the trigger dates the code uses a random check (20% chance) to either kill the host process or, for Sharp7Extend, immediately terminate PLC communications or corrupt PLC write operations after a 30–90 minute delay. Corrupted writes can prevent actuators from receiving commands, block safety engagements, and disrupt production. Sharp7Extend also deliberately fails initialization by reading a nonexistent config value.

Socket says the developer page and packages have since been delisted after ~9,500 downloads. Organizations are urged to audit for those nine packages, assume compromise if found, verify PLC/write integrity, and implement write-verification and safety-log checks.

5. Cisco: Actively Exploited Firewall Flaws Now Abused For DoS Attacks

Cisco has warned that two vulnerabilities, CVE-2025-20362 and CVE-2025-20333, are being exploited to force ASA and FTD firewalls into reboot loops. CVE-2025-20362 allows unauthenticated access to restricted URLs, while CVE-2025-20333 enables authenticated remote code execution. When combined, they give attackers full control over unpatched systems. Cisco released fixes on September 25, 2025, and the CISA issued an emergency directive requiring U.S. federal agencies to secure or disconnect affected ASA devices within 24 hours. Shadowserver tracks over 34,000 exposed ASA and FTD firewalls, down from nearly 50,000 in September.

The attacks are linked to the ArcaneDoor campaign and the UAT4356 group (STORM-1849), which previously exploited Cisco zero-days and deployed Line Dancer and Line Runner malware for persistence. Cisco also patched other RCE vulnerabilities, including CVE-2025-20352 and recent flaws in its Contact Center software, urging customers to apply all security updates immediately.

6. Google Uncovers PROMPTFLUX Malware That Uses Gemini AI to Rewrite Its Code Hourly

Google has uncovered a new experimental malware called PROMPTFLUX, a VBScript-based threat that uses Gemini AI’s API to rewrite its own source code for better obfuscation and evasion. According to Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG), the malware queries Gemini 1.5 Flash using a hard-coded API key to request code changes aimed at bypassing antivirus detection. PROMPTFLUX stores new versions in the Windows Startup folder for persistence and can spread via removable drives and network shares. Though its self-modifying feature is currently disabled, logs show the author’s intent to create an evolving, metamorphic script.

While still in development and not yet capable of system compromise, the malware reflects a growing trend of AI-assisted attacks. Google also cited other LLM-driven threats like FRUITSHELL, PROMPTLOCK, and PROMPTSTEAL, noting misuse of Gemini by China-, Iran-, and North Korea-linked actors to aid in phishing, malware creation, and data exfiltration.

10/29/2025-11/05/2025 126 Malicious npm Packages, Critical React Native CLI Flaw, Open VSX Registry Patches Security Flaw And More

1. PhantomRaven Attack Involves 126 Malicious npm Packages with Over 86,000 Downloads Hiding Malicious Code

Since August 2025, the sophisticated PhantomRaven campaign has deployed 126 malicious npm packages, amassing over 86,000 downloads. This operation harvests developer credentials like npm and GitHub tokens while evading most security tools. The investigation revealed the attackers adapted after initial removals, successfully publishing 80 more malicious packages that bypassed detection.

The attack’s core innovation involves “Remote Dynamic Dependencies.” The published packages appear benign on npmjs.com. However, their `package.json` files specify dependencies as HTTP URLs pointing to attacker-controlled servers. During installation, npm fetches and executes the hidden malicious payload from these external sources, completely bypassing static analysis tools. Once installed, a preinstall script automatically executes the malware. PhantomRaven then harvests sensitive data from the victim’s system, including environment variables, CI/CD credentials, and comprehensive system information for target profiling.

2. Critical React Native CLI Flaw Exposed Millions of Developers to Remote Attacks

A critical vulnerability in the “@react-native-community/cli” npm package, now patched, could allow attackers to execute malicious OS commands. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-11953, has a CVSS score of 9.8/10. It affects versions 4.8.0 through 20.0.0-alpha.2 of both “@react-native-community/cli” and “@react-native-community/cli-server-api,” and was fixed in version 20.0.0 released last month. The package, maintained by Meta, is used to build React Native apps and receives 1.5–2 million weekly downloads. The vulnerability stems from the Metro development server, which binds to external interfaces by default and exposes an “/open-url” endpoint vulnerable to OS command injection.

Attackers could exploit this by sending crafted POST requests, executing commands on Windows fully and on Linux/macOS with limited parameters. The flaw highlights the risks in third-party code and the need for automated, comprehensive security scanning across the software supply chain.

3. Open VSX Registry Patches Security Flaw After Token Leak and Malicious Extensions Found

The Open VSX Registry and Eclipse Foundation reported a security incident involving leaked developer tokens, which attackers used to publish malicious extensions. The issue was contained, with sweeping security improvements implemented. Researchers at Wiz discovered several exposed extension publishing tokens in public repositories. Some belonged to Open VSX developers, allowing attackers to compromise the marketplace. The Eclipse Foundation noted that the exposures stemmed from developer oversights, not infrastructure breaches. Compromised tokens were immediately revoked. Open VSX collaborated with Microsoft Security Response Center to implement a token prefix format for faster detection of exposed tokens. Malware, dubbed “GlassWorm” by Koi Security, exploited these tokens to steal developer credentials and distribute malicious extensions. While serious, the malware required human action to spread and wasn’t a fully self-propagating worm. All malicious extensions were removed, and token security enhanced. New measures include token lifetime limits, automated scanning, streamlined revocation, and collaboration with ecosystem partners to share threat intelligence.

4. CISA Adds Gladinet and CWP Flaws to KEV Catalog Amid Active Exploitation Evidence

CISA has added two security flaws to its KEV catalog after reports of active attacks. CVE-2025-11371 (CVSS 7.5) affects Gladinet CentreStack and Triofox, exposing system files to external access. CVE-2025-48703 (CVSS 9.0) is a command injection flaw in Control Web Panel (CWP), allowing unauthenticated remote code execution via the t_total parameter. Huntress reported active exploitation of CVE-2025-11371, using Base64-encoded payloads to run reconnaissance commands. CVE-2025-48703 was responsibly disclosed and patched in May 2025. Federal Civilian Executive Branch agencies must apply fixes by November 25, 2025. Additionally, WordPress plugins and themes with critical vulnerabilities include WP Freeio (CVE-2025-11533), Noo JobMonster (CVE-2025-5397), and Post SMTP (CVE-2025-11833), all allowing privilege escalation or site takeover. Users should update affected plugins, enforce strong passwords, and audit sites for malicious activity to mitigate risks.

10/23/2025-10/29/2025 10 npm Packages Caught Stealing Developer Credentials, Active Exploits Hit Dassault and XWiki, Magento Input Validation Vulnerability Exploited In Wild And More.

1. 10 npm Packages Caught Stealing Developer Credentials on Windows, macOS, and Linux

Cybersecurity researchers uncovered 10 typosquatted npm packages (uploaded July 4, 2025, ~9,900 total downloads) that install a multi-stage information stealer for Windows, Linux and macOS. The packages impersonated popular libraries (TypeScript, discord.js, ethers.js, nodemon, react-router-dom, zustand) and trigger a malicious postinstall hook that runs install.js, opens a new terminal window, and launches an obfuscated app.js. The payload shows a fake CAPTCHA and believable install output while fingerprinting victims by IP and fetching a 24 MB PyInstaller stealer from 195.133.79[.]43. app.js uses four layers of obfuscation (XOR, URL-encoding, hex/octal tricks) to resist analysis. The stealer extracts credentials, tokens, cookies, SSH keys and system keyring secrets (email, cloud sync, VPN, password managers), compresses them, and exfiltrates the archive — giving attackers direct access to corporate email, file storage, internal networks and production systems.

2. Active Exploits Hit Dassault and XWiki — CISA Confirms Critical Flaws Under Attack

Threat actors are actively exploiting severe flaws in Dassault Systèmes DELMIA Apriso and XWiki, according to CISA and VulnCheck alerts. The affected issues include CVE-2025-6204 (code injection, CVSS 8.0) and CVE-2025-6205 (missing authorization, CVSS 9.1) in DELMIA Apriso releases 2020–2025, both patched in August, and CVE-2025-24893 (eval injection, CVSS 9.8) in XWiki. CISA recently added these flaws to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, following earlier exploitation of CVE-2025-5086 in the same product. VulnCheck observed in-the-wild attacks leveraging the XWiki flaw to deploy a cryptocurrency miner via a two-stage chain: the first stage drops a downloader (“x640”) from 193.32.208[.]24, and the second fetches payloads (“x521,” “x522”) that install and run the miner while terminating rivals. The activity, traced to a Vietnam-based IP (123.25.249[.]88), highlights ongoing exploitation. CISA urges immediate patching, with federal agencies required to remediate DELMIA Apriso flaws by November 18, 2025.

3. Windows Server Emergency Patches Fix WSUS Bug With PoC Exploit

Microsoft has issued out-of-band (OOB) security updates to fix CVE-2025-59287, a critical remote code execution flaw in Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). The vulnerability, now with public proof-of-concept exploit code, affects only Windows servers with the WSUS Server Role enabled. It allows remote, unauthenticated attackers to execute code with SYSTEM privileges via crafted events that trigger unsafe object deserialization, making it potentially wormable between WSUS servers. Microsoft urges admins to install the patches immediately for all supported Windows Server versions (2012–2025). Servers without the WSUS role are not affected, but enabling WSUS without patching exposes systems to attack. As a temporary workaround, admins can disable the WSUS role or block inbound traffic on ports 8530 and 8531, though this stops Windows endpoints from receiving updates. The cumulative OOB patch replaces prior updates, and Microsoft recommends rebooting servers after installation.

4. CISA Flags Critical Lanscope Bug

CISA has warned of a critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-61932, CVSS 9.3) in Motex Lanscope Endpoint Manager, urging all federal agencies to patch or mitigate affected systems by November 12, 2025. The flaw, confirmed by Motex through Japan’s JVN portal, allows remote code execution via specially crafted packets due to improper verification of communication sources. Exploitation could enable attackers to steal data, deploy ransomware, or compromise entire networks. The issue affects on-premises versions of Lanscope’s Client and Detection Agent. Motex has released fixes in versions 9.3.2.7–9.4.7.3; systems running 9.4.7.1 or earlier remain vulnerable. CISA advises organizations to upgrade immediately, restrict network access, enable zero-trust controls, and continuously monitor for anomalies. Because Lanscope manages privileged enterprise endpoints, unpatched systems present significant risk, underscoring the need for timely updates, strong access control, and layered cyber defenses.

5. Magento Input Validation Vulnerability Exploited In Wild To Hijack Session And Execute Malicious Codes

A critical flaw in Magento (Adobe Commerce), dubbed SessionReaper and tracked as CVE-2025-54236, allows attackers to hijack user sessions and execute remote code. First disclosed on September 9, 2025, the vulnerability gained urgency after Sansec released a proof-of-concept exploit on October 22, sparking mass exploitation attempts. Over 250 Magento stores were reportedly compromised as attackers targeted unpatched systems ahead of the holiday season. The flaw, rated CVSS 9.8, stems from improper input validation in Magento’s authentication process, enabling attackers to impersonate users, access admin panels, or upload malicious code to steal data and install backdoors. Akamai detected more than 300 probes within 48 hours of the exploit’s release, blocking attacks via its security engine. Experts warn that while web application firewalls help, the only reliable defense is applying Adobe’s latest patches immediately to prevent large-scale e-commerce breaches.