The Register: More packages poisoned in npm attack, but would-be crypto thieves left pocket change

Sep 9, 2025

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Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/09/09/npm_supply_chain_attack/
Source: The Register
Title: More packages poisoned in npm attack, but would-be crypto thieves left pocket change

Feedly Summary: Miscreants cost victims time rather than money
During the two-hour window on Monday in which hijacked npm versions were available for download, malware-laced packages reached one in 10 cloud environments, according to Wiz researchers. But crypto-craving crims did little more than annoy defenders.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text reports on a specific incident involving hijacked npm versions that distributed malware in cloud environments. This highlights significant security implications for cloud computing and software security professionals, particularly regarding the distribution of malicious packages.

Detailed Description: The provided text discusses a security event that occurred within a two-hour window where hijacked npm (Node Package Manager) versions were accessible for download. This scenario is critical for professionals in cloud computing and software security due to the following points:

– **Malware Distribution**: Malware-laden packages managed to infiltrate approximately 10% of cloud environments, indicating a substantial risk to software supply chains associated with npm, a widely used package manager in the JavaScript ecosystem.

– **Impact on Security**: The incident reflects a worrying trend in cloud security, where attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in open-source package repositories to spread malware.

– **Nature of the Attack**: Rather than resulting in financial theft or significant data breaches, the attackers seemed to focus on creating disruptions for defenders, showcasing a tactical shift in cybercriminal behavior—prioritizing nuisance over monetary gain.

– **Implications for Software Security**: Security teams should enhance their monitoring and scanning for npm packages, implement stricter validations, and educate developers about the integrity and authenticity of third-party packages.

– **Broader Security Context**: This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in the software supply chain and the need for robust security practices such as dependency management, vulnerability assessments, and real-time threat detection.

In conclusion, the incident underscores the importance of vigilance in cloud environments and the need for continuous improvement in software security practices to fend off such attacks.

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