
Research
2025 Report: Destructive Malware in Open Source Packages
Destructive malware is rising across open source registries, using delays and kill switches to wipe code, break builds, and disrupt CI/CD.
Quickly evaluate the security and health of any open source package.
@arkecosystem/platform-sdk-nano
6.0.19
by faustbrian
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The analyzed code embeds a hardcoded private key and static wallet metadata, enabling signing (and potential broadcasting) of Nano transactions from a wallet not controlled by the end user. This creates a severe backdoor-like risk in a supply-chain context: published code could sign and autorotate transfers without explicit user consent or proper key management. Immediate remediation is required: remove hardcoded credentials, derive keys from secure user-controlled wallets, enforce explicit user approval for transactions, validate all inputs, and complete or remove NotImplemented surfaces to avoid partial exposure. Final assessment: high security risk and malware potential due to embedded credentials and misuse potential.
opendr-toolkit-human-model-generation
2.2.0
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
The code fragment demonstrates high-risk dynamic execution (exec) of a repository-provided setup script followed by a packaging/build call. This pattern enables arbitrary code execution and manipulation of the build process, representing a serious supply-chain and runtime integrity risk. If _setup.py is trusted and fully controlled, risk is reduced; otherwise, replace with explicit imports, strict interface contracts, sandboxing, and integrity verification (e.g., checksums, code signing). The apparent syntax issue further supports treating the snippet as suspicious and in need of clarification.
@indigo-mobile/material
1.0.0
by epi-unitaire
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The file gathers sensitive environment details by calling os.userInfo().username, os.hostname(), and process.cwd(), concatenates them with pipe separators, converts the result to a hex string (truncated to 63 characters), and then performs a DNS lookup on a dynamically constructed subdomain of t1[.]dumpstator[.]com. By embedding system identifiers in the DNS query, the code exfiltrates data through DNS resolution requests—a known covert channel that can bypass standard network monitoring. No legitimate functionality justifies this behavior, indicating malicious intent.
masuit.tools.abstractions
2.5.9-beta
by 懒得勤快
Live on NuGet
Blocked by Socket
This assembly contains an automatic module initializer that, after a 5-minute delay, collects detailed host and runtime metadata (machine name, OS version, running processes memory usage, loaded assemblies, entry assembly, IP/location info) and transmits it to a hardcoded external endpoint (https://ldqk.xyz/opensource/collect). The HttpClient used disables TLS certificate validation. This behavior amounts to unconsented telemetry/fingerprinting and is a supply-chain data-exfiltration risk when the package is added to projects. The rest of the code appears to be legitimate utility functions, but the automatic telemetry on load is highly suspicious and should be considered malicious or at least privacy-invasive unless explicitly documented and opt-in. I recommend not using this package until the automatic reporting is removed or made opt-in and TLS validation is fixed.
instagram-par-followers-kaise-badhaye--547
1.0.2
by kasiryeka
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code has the potential to be used for malicious purposes, such as spreading malware or creating fake npm packages
Live on npm for 35 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
diazuptime
10.1.5
by mohamed0092
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
This module contains multiple highly suspicious indicators: embedded MongoDB credentials in source code (credential leakage/backdoor access), an always-on DB connection, obfuscated/anti-tamper code, and periodic outbound HTTP(S) requests to a provided Url (beaconing). The combination suggests a potential backdoor or covert telemetry/command channel rather than a benign utility. I recommend not using this package until the hard-coded credentials and obfuscation are removed, and the network behaviors and intent are fully audited. If this repository is in your supply chain, treat it as high risk and investigate other modules and upstream sources.
mtxcli
0.0.93
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
This module implements a command-and-control agent: it establishes a Tor connection to a hardcoded .onion C2, downloads a payload, writes it to a temporary file, sets it executable, and runs it — all without validation — and provides a POST endpoint for C2 communication. These are canonical backdoor behaviors (remote code execution, persistence, and concealed C2). Treat the code as malicious: do not execute, block the domain, and investigate any systems where this package or its parent repository was installed or run.
ascon.netmemoryprofiler
1.0.2
by ASCON
Live on NuGet
Blocked by Socket
This component implements a remote code injection mechanism: it writes a payload string into another process, installs a Windows hook into a target thread and triggers that hook via a custom registered window message; the hook reconstructs the string and performs Assembly.LoadFile + reflection-based MethodInfo.Invoke. The pattern is classic process injection / remote code execution. Without strict controls this is high-risk and can be used for malicious purposes (arbitrary code execution in other processes). If you did not expect injector functionality, do not use this package. If legitimate, require strong policy/authorization and restrict usage to trusted contexts.
github.com/6un9-h0-dan/merlin
v0.8.0
Live on Go Modules
Blocked by Socket
The code in the flagged file is part of the 'Merlin' command and control framework, which provides functionality to execute arbitrary commands and inject and execute shellcode on Windows systems. It includes functions that allocate memory, write to process memory, create remote threads, and adjust process privileges. These behaviors are commonly associated with malware, as they can be used to perform unauthorized actions, escalate privileges, and potentially compromise system security.
coloredtxt
0.0.1
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
The code contains serious red flags for obfuscation and potential malware activity. The use of exec with obfuscated code suggests a high likelihood of malicious intent, posing a significant security risk.
f3rb
5.3.2
by f3rb123
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is involved in collecting and exfiltrating sensitive system information to external servers without user consent.
icp-test
1.1.4
by anishrawat2004
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This module contains a high-risk backdoor: transferCyclesToCanister reads the user's DFX private key from ~/.config/dfx, creates an authenticated agent, and initiates a withdraw that transfers a computed large amount of cycles to a hardcoded external principal. That behavior constitutes credential abuse and likely theft of user funds. Treat this code as malicious; do not run it. If executed, assume compromise of the DFX identity and rotate keys/identities and inspect transactions. Other helper functions are benign individually but are insufficient mitigation given the explicit transfer behavior.
Live on npm for 2 hours and 1 minute before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
kpmysql
1.0.13
by zhf0929
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The code fragment effectively implements a remote SQL execution endpoint controlled by client-provided database credentials and SQL statements, accompanied by verbose logging of inputs. This pattern constitutes a high-risk backdoor-like capability that can lead to data leakage, unauthorized data manipulation, or complete compromise of the connected database, especially if exposed without authentication. The combination of obfuscation, raw SQL execution from client input, and credential disclosure in requests marks this as highly dangerous for production or supply-chain contexts. Removal or rigorous hardening (authentication, authorization, parameterized queries, strict input validation, and avoidance of raw SQL from clients) is essential.
simba-uw-tf-dev
1.94.1
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
The code has significant security risks due to the dynamic execution of user-defined code and the potential for command injection through subprocess calls. Proper validation and sanitization of user inputs are essential to mitigate these risks.
flight-profiler
1.0.1
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
The fragment deploys a native-instrumentation pathway (Frida Gum) by loading a hardcoded shared library and invoking a native function with an opaque symbol offset, followed by launching a local profiling server in a background thread. While this could support legitimate profiling, the combination of hardcoded paths, opaque native calls, and lack of input validation or authentication constitutes a meaningful security risk. The code warrants strict review of the native component’s provenance, integrity verification (e.g., checksums, signatures), and explicit user consent. Potential supply-chain risk due to environment-specific paths and opaque instrumentation capabilities should be mitigated with configurable, auditable, and revocable instrumentation controls.
ivoryos
0.1.1
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
This module contains insecure coding patterns that allow code injection: use of eval() on untrusted inputs and generation of Python source from potentially attacker-controlled script fields which is written to disk. While there is no explicit evidence of malicious intent (no exfiltration, networking, or backdoor logic), the constructs present make it trivial for an attacker who can control script data or update_by_uuid inputs to achieve remote code execution on the host (either immediately via eval or later by executing the generated .py). Recommend treating this as a significant security risk: remove/replace eval usage, validate and sanitize all inputs, and avoid generating executable code from untrusted data or ensure strict templating and escaping.
gitbook-start-heroku-merquililycony
2.1.10
by sytw1617-merquililycony
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The code actively handles GitHub credentials to generate an authorization token and then uses that token to create a remote repository. It stores the token locally and prints it to stdout, which creates a clear risk of credential exposure. The approach relies on shell-based credential flows rather than secure OAuth practices, and lacks robust error handling and input validation. Given these patterns, the risk of credential leakage and unauthorized repository creation is high. Recommendation: eliminate inline credentials in shell commands, avoid printing sensitive tokens, store tokens securely (e.g., in a secure vault or OS keychain), use proper OAuth flows or GitHub App tokens, validate API responses, and remove unused/dead code. Improve error handling and remove reliance on local token files to reduce exposure.]
cl-lite
1.0.1300
by michael_tian
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
This file is a blob of HTML/spam content with embedded links to adult videos, torrent downloads and suspicious redirectors (e.g. https://2023[.]redircdn[.]com/?…, http://rmdown[.]com/link[.]php?hash=…, http://data[.]down2048[.]com/list[.]php?…), plus numerous third-party image URLs. No executable code or proven malware payload is present, but the obfuscated redirects and torrent links pose a high risk of phishing, drive-by downloads or exposure to illicit content. Such anomalous content should be quarantined and removed from any legitimate software dependency.
ailever
0.2.702
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
The code exhibits a dangerous remote code execution pattern: it downloads and immediately runs a remote Python payload without integrity checks, sandboxing, or input validation. This creates a severe supply-chain and runtime security risk. Recommended mitigations include removing dynamic downloads, validating payloads with cryptographic hashes or signatures, using safe subprocess invocations with argument lists, and implementing strict input sanitization. If remote functionality must remain, switch to a trusted-internal mechanism (e.g., plugin architecture with signed components, offline verification) and add robust error handling and logging.
bapy
0.2.187
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
The script covertly ensures a background SSH local port-forward to a hard-coded external host as root, clearing any existing ssh on the same local port first. This pattern is consistent with establishing a covert access or exfiltration channel (notably to a MongoDB-like service on port 27017). It is high-risk: investigate origins of the script, the remote IP, root SSH keys and authorized_keys, and any processes or tools that use local:9999. If unexpected, remove and rotate credentials/keys and perform host compromise analysis.
simplyhack
0.0.9
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
This module is an offensive/hacking toolkit that implements multiple explicit malicious capabilities: reverse shell/backdoor, ARP spoofing MITM, packet sniffing with credential harvesting, online brute-force attacks (Gmail), password/hash cracking and password-protected archive/pdf cracking, MAC address manipulation, and network scanning/host discovery. The presence of an interactive reverse shell client/server that executes received commands with shell=True and returns output is a definitive backdoor pattern. Use of these features against systems or networks without explicit authorization is malicious and illegal in many jurisdictions. The package should not be used in production or on systems you do not own/explicitly have permission to test. If this code appears in a dependency or package, treat it as high-risk and consider removal, further auditing, and blocking.
baidu-oscp
19.9.24
by baidu-oscp
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The postinstall script creates a reverse TCP shell to 47.79.17.64:8087 and will give a remote attacker interactive access to the host when the package is installed. This is malicious and high risk; do not install or run this package. If it was already installed, assume compromise and investigate/contain (disconnect, scan, rotate credentials, restore from trusted backups).
luksdk-web
1.1.11
by luksdk
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The code path reflects a high-risk interception and resource-loading manipulation tactic within an iframe, enabling potential tampering, data leakage, or covert telemetry. While some patching use-cases exist (integrity checks, offline serving), the combination of iframe sandbox bypass, API hijacking, and cross-window communication constitutes a serious security red flag. Treat as highly suspicious for distribution in open-source libraries without explicit, audited justifications, strong integrity controls, and user-consent mechanisms.
@arkecosystem/platform-sdk-nano
6.0.19
by faustbrian
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The analyzed code embeds a hardcoded private key and static wallet metadata, enabling signing (and potential broadcasting) of Nano transactions from a wallet not controlled by the end user. This creates a severe backdoor-like risk in a supply-chain context: published code could sign and autorotate transfers without explicit user consent or proper key management. Immediate remediation is required: remove hardcoded credentials, derive keys from secure user-controlled wallets, enforce explicit user approval for transactions, validate all inputs, and complete or remove NotImplemented surfaces to avoid partial exposure. Final assessment: high security risk and malware potential due to embedded credentials and misuse potential.
opendr-toolkit-human-model-generation
2.2.0
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
The code fragment demonstrates high-risk dynamic execution (exec) of a repository-provided setup script followed by a packaging/build call. This pattern enables arbitrary code execution and manipulation of the build process, representing a serious supply-chain and runtime integrity risk. If _setup.py is trusted and fully controlled, risk is reduced; otherwise, replace with explicit imports, strict interface contracts, sandboxing, and integrity verification (e.g., checksums, code signing). The apparent syntax issue further supports treating the snippet as suspicious and in need of clarification.
@indigo-mobile/material
1.0.0
by epi-unitaire
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The file gathers sensitive environment details by calling os.userInfo().username, os.hostname(), and process.cwd(), concatenates them with pipe separators, converts the result to a hex string (truncated to 63 characters), and then performs a DNS lookup on a dynamically constructed subdomain of t1[.]dumpstator[.]com. By embedding system identifiers in the DNS query, the code exfiltrates data through DNS resolution requests—a known covert channel that can bypass standard network monitoring. No legitimate functionality justifies this behavior, indicating malicious intent.
masuit.tools.abstractions
2.5.9-beta
by 懒得勤快
Live on NuGet
Blocked by Socket
This assembly contains an automatic module initializer that, after a 5-minute delay, collects detailed host and runtime metadata (machine name, OS version, running processes memory usage, loaded assemblies, entry assembly, IP/location info) and transmits it to a hardcoded external endpoint (https://ldqk.xyz/opensource/collect). The HttpClient used disables TLS certificate validation. This behavior amounts to unconsented telemetry/fingerprinting and is a supply-chain data-exfiltration risk when the package is added to projects. The rest of the code appears to be legitimate utility functions, but the automatic telemetry on load is highly suspicious and should be considered malicious or at least privacy-invasive unless explicitly documented and opt-in. I recommend not using this package until the automatic reporting is removed or made opt-in and TLS validation is fixed.
instagram-par-followers-kaise-badhaye--547
1.0.2
by kasiryeka
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
The code has the potential to be used for malicious purposes, such as spreading malware or creating fake npm packages
Live on npm for 35 minutes before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
diazuptime
10.1.5
by mohamed0092
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
This module contains multiple highly suspicious indicators: embedded MongoDB credentials in source code (credential leakage/backdoor access), an always-on DB connection, obfuscated/anti-tamper code, and periodic outbound HTTP(S) requests to a provided Url (beaconing). The combination suggests a potential backdoor or covert telemetry/command channel rather than a benign utility. I recommend not using this package until the hard-coded credentials and obfuscation are removed, and the network behaviors and intent are fully audited. If this repository is in your supply chain, treat it as high risk and investigate other modules and upstream sources.
mtxcli
0.0.93
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
This module implements a command-and-control agent: it establishes a Tor connection to a hardcoded .onion C2, downloads a payload, writes it to a temporary file, sets it executable, and runs it — all without validation — and provides a POST endpoint for C2 communication. These are canonical backdoor behaviors (remote code execution, persistence, and concealed C2). Treat the code as malicious: do not execute, block the domain, and investigate any systems where this package or its parent repository was installed or run.
ascon.netmemoryprofiler
1.0.2
by ASCON
Live on NuGet
Blocked by Socket
This component implements a remote code injection mechanism: it writes a payload string into another process, installs a Windows hook into a target thread and triggers that hook via a custom registered window message; the hook reconstructs the string and performs Assembly.LoadFile + reflection-based MethodInfo.Invoke. The pattern is classic process injection / remote code execution. Without strict controls this is high-risk and can be used for malicious purposes (arbitrary code execution in other processes). If you did not expect injector functionality, do not use this package. If legitimate, require strong policy/authorization and restrict usage to trusted contexts.
github.com/6un9-h0-dan/merlin
v0.8.0
Live on Go Modules
Blocked by Socket
The code in the flagged file is part of the 'Merlin' command and control framework, which provides functionality to execute arbitrary commands and inject and execute shellcode on Windows systems. It includes functions that allocate memory, write to process memory, create remote threads, and adjust process privileges. These behaviors are commonly associated with malware, as they can be used to perform unauthorized actions, escalate privileges, and potentially compromise system security.
coloredtxt
0.0.1
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
The code contains serious red flags for obfuscation and potential malware activity. The use of exec with obfuscated code suggests a high likelihood of malicious intent, posing a significant security risk.
f3rb
5.3.2
by f3rb123
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The code is involved in collecting and exfiltrating sensitive system information to external servers without user consent.
icp-test
1.1.4
by anishrawat2004
Removed from npm
Blocked by Socket
This module contains a high-risk backdoor: transferCyclesToCanister reads the user's DFX private key from ~/.config/dfx, creates an authenticated agent, and initiates a withdraw that transfers a computed large amount of cycles to a hardcoded external principal. That behavior constitutes credential abuse and likely theft of user funds. Treat this code as malicious; do not run it. If executed, assume compromise of the DFX identity and rotate keys/identities and inspect transactions. Other helper functions are benign individually but are insufficient mitigation given the explicit transfer behavior.
Live on npm for 2 hours and 1 minute before removal. Socket users were protected even while the package was live.
kpmysql
1.0.13
by zhf0929
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The code fragment effectively implements a remote SQL execution endpoint controlled by client-provided database credentials and SQL statements, accompanied by verbose logging of inputs. This pattern constitutes a high-risk backdoor-like capability that can lead to data leakage, unauthorized data manipulation, or complete compromise of the connected database, especially if exposed without authentication. The combination of obfuscation, raw SQL execution from client input, and credential disclosure in requests marks this as highly dangerous for production or supply-chain contexts. Removal or rigorous hardening (authentication, authorization, parameterized queries, strict input validation, and avoidance of raw SQL from clients) is essential.
simba-uw-tf-dev
1.94.1
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
The code has significant security risks due to the dynamic execution of user-defined code and the potential for command injection through subprocess calls. Proper validation and sanitization of user inputs are essential to mitigate these risks.
flight-profiler
1.0.1
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
The fragment deploys a native-instrumentation pathway (Frida Gum) by loading a hardcoded shared library and invoking a native function with an opaque symbol offset, followed by launching a local profiling server in a background thread. While this could support legitimate profiling, the combination of hardcoded paths, opaque native calls, and lack of input validation or authentication constitutes a meaningful security risk. The code warrants strict review of the native component’s provenance, integrity verification (e.g., checksums, signatures), and explicit user consent. Potential supply-chain risk due to environment-specific paths and opaque instrumentation capabilities should be mitigated with configurable, auditable, and revocable instrumentation controls.
ivoryos
0.1.1
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
This module contains insecure coding patterns that allow code injection: use of eval() on untrusted inputs and generation of Python source from potentially attacker-controlled script fields which is written to disk. While there is no explicit evidence of malicious intent (no exfiltration, networking, or backdoor logic), the constructs present make it trivial for an attacker who can control script data or update_by_uuid inputs to achieve remote code execution on the host (either immediately via eval or later by executing the generated .py). Recommend treating this as a significant security risk: remove/replace eval usage, validate and sanitize all inputs, and avoid generating executable code from untrusted data or ensure strict templating and escaping.
gitbook-start-heroku-merquililycony
2.1.10
by sytw1617-merquililycony
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The code actively handles GitHub credentials to generate an authorization token and then uses that token to create a remote repository. It stores the token locally and prints it to stdout, which creates a clear risk of credential exposure. The approach relies on shell-based credential flows rather than secure OAuth practices, and lacks robust error handling and input validation. Given these patterns, the risk of credential leakage and unauthorized repository creation is high. Recommendation: eliminate inline credentials in shell commands, avoid printing sensitive tokens, store tokens securely (e.g., in a secure vault or OS keychain), use proper OAuth flows or GitHub App tokens, validate API responses, and remove unused/dead code. Improve error handling and remove reliance on local token files to reduce exposure.]
cl-lite
1.0.1300
by michael_tian
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
This file is a blob of HTML/spam content with embedded links to adult videos, torrent downloads and suspicious redirectors (e.g. https://2023[.]redircdn[.]com/?…, http://rmdown[.]com/link[.]php?hash=…, http://data[.]down2048[.]com/list[.]php?…), plus numerous third-party image URLs. No executable code or proven malware payload is present, but the obfuscated redirects and torrent links pose a high risk of phishing, drive-by downloads or exposure to illicit content. Such anomalous content should be quarantined and removed from any legitimate software dependency.
ailever
0.2.702
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
The code exhibits a dangerous remote code execution pattern: it downloads and immediately runs a remote Python payload without integrity checks, sandboxing, or input validation. This creates a severe supply-chain and runtime security risk. Recommended mitigations include removing dynamic downloads, validating payloads with cryptographic hashes or signatures, using safe subprocess invocations with argument lists, and implementing strict input sanitization. If remote functionality must remain, switch to a trusted-internal mechanism (e.g., plugin architecture with signed components, offline verification) and add robust error handling and logging.
bapy
0.2.187
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
The script covertly ensures a background SSH local port-forward to a hard-coded external host as root, clearing any existing ssh on the same local port first. This pattern is consistent with establishing a covert access or exfiltration channel (notably to a MongoDB-like service on port 27017). It is high-risk: investigate origins of the script, the remote IP, root SSH keys and authorized_keys, and any processes or tools that use local:9999. If unexpected, remove and rotate credentials/keys and perform host compromise analysis.
simplyhack
0.0.9
Live on PyPI
Blocked by Socket
This module is an offensive/hacking toolkit that implements multiple explicit malicious capabilities: reverse shell/backdoor, ARP spoofing MITM, packet sniffing with credential harvesting, online brute-force attacks (Gmail), password/hash cracking and password-protected archive/pdf cracking, MAC address manipulation, and network scanning/host discovery. The presence of an interactive reverse shell client/server that executes received commands with shell=True and returns output is a definitive backdoor pattern. Use of these features against systems or networks without explicit authorization is malicious and illegal in many jurisdictions. The package should not be used in production or on systems you do not own/explicitly have permission to test. If this code appears in a dependency or package, treat it as high-risk and consider removal, further auditing, and blocking.
baidu-oscp
19.9.24
by baidu-oscp
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The postinstall script creates a reverse TCP shell to 47.79.17.64:8087 and will give a remote attacker interactive access to the host when the package is installed. This is malicious and high risk; do not install or run this package. If it was already installed, assume compromise and investigate/contain (disconnect, scan, rotate credentials, restore from trusted backups).
luksdk-web
1.1.11
by luksdk
Live on npm
Blocked by Socket
The code path reflects a high-risk interception and resource-loading manipulation tactic within an iframe, enabling potential tampering, data leakage, or covert telemetry. While some patching use-cases exist (integrity checks, offline serving), the combination of iframe sandbox bypass, API hijacking, and cross-window communication constitutes a serious security red flag. Treat as highly suspicious for distribution in open-source libraries without explicit, audited justifications, strong integrity controls, and user-consent mechanisms.
Socket detects traditional vulnerabilities (CVEs) but goes beyond that to scan the actual code of dependencies for malicious behavior. It proactively detects and blocks 70+ signals of supply chain risk in open source code, for comprehensive protection.
Possible typosquat attack
Known malware
Suspicious Stars on GitHub
HTTP dependency
Git dependency
GitHub dependency
AI-detected potential malware
Obfuscated code
Telemetry
Protestware or potentially unwanted behavior
Critical CVE
High CVE
Medium CVE
Low CVE
Unpopular package
Minified code
Bad dependency semver
Wildcard dependency
Socket optimized override available
Deprecated
Unmaintained
License Policy Violation
Explicitly Unlicensed Item
Misc. License Issues
Copyleft License
No License Found
Ambiguous License Classifier
License exception
Non-permissive License
Unidentified License
Socket detects and blocks malicious dependencies, often within just minutes of them being published to public registries, making it the most effective tool for blocking zero-day supply chain attacks.
Socket is built by a team of prolific open source maintainers whose software is downloaded over 1 billion times per month. We understand how to build tools that developers love. But don’t take our word for it.

Nat Friedman
CEO at GitHub

Suz Hinton
Senior Software Engineer at Stripe
heck yes this is awesome!!! Congrats team 🎉👏

Matteo Collina
Node.js maintainer, Fastify lead maintainer
So awesome to see @SocketSecurity launch with a fresh approach! Excited to have supported the team from the early days.

DC Posch
Director of Technology at AppFolio, CTO at Dynasty
This is going to be super important, especially for crypto projects where a compromised dependency results in stolen user assets.

Luis Naranjo
Software Engineer at Microsoft
If software supply chain attacks through npm don't scare the shit out of you, you're not paying close enough attention.
@SocketSecurity sounds like an awesome product. I'll be using socket.dev instead of npmjs.org to browse npm packages going forward

Elena Nadolinski
Founder and CEO at Iron Fish
Huge congrats to @SocketSecurity! 🙌
Literally the only product that proactively detects signs of JS compromised packages.

Joe Previte
Engineering Team Lead at Coder
Congrats to @feross and the @SocketSecurity team on their seed funding! 🚀 It's been a big help for us at @CoderHQ and we appreciate what y'all are doing!

Josh Goldberg
Staff Developer at Codecademy
This is such a great idea & looks fantastic, congrats & good luck @feross + team!
The best security teams in the world use Socket to get visibility into supply chain risk, and to build a security feedback loop into the development process.

Scott Roberts
CISO at UiPath
As a happy Socket customer, I've been impressed with how quickly they are adding value to the product, this move is a great step!

Yan Zhu
Head of Security at Brave, DEFCON, EFF, W3C
glad to hear some of the smartest people i know are working on (npm, etc.) supply chain security finally :). @SocketSecurity

Andrew Peterson
CEO and Co-Founder at Signal Sciences (acq. Fastly)
How do you track the validity of open source software libraries as they get updated? You're prob not. Check out @SocketSecurity and the updated tooling they launched.
Supply chain is a cluster in security as we all know and the tools from Socket are "duh" type tools to be implementing. Check them out and follow Feross Aboukhadijeh to see more updates coming from them in the future.

Zbyszek Tenerowicz
Senior Security Engineer at ConsenSys
socket.dev is getting more appealing by the hour

Devdatta Akhawe
Head of Security at Figma
The @SocketSecurity team is on fire! Amazing progress and I am exciting to see where they go next.

Sebastian Bensusan
Engineer Manager at Stripe
I find it surprising that we don't have _more_ supply chain attacks in software:
Imagine your airplane (the code running) was assembled (deployed) daily, with parts (dependencies) from internet strangers. How long until you get a bad part?
Excited for Socket to prevent this

Adam Baldwin
VP of Security at npm, Red Team at Auth0/Okta
Congrats to everyone at @SocketSecurity ❤️🤘🏻

Nico Waisman
CISO at Lyft
This is an area that I have personally been very focused on. As Nat Friedman said in the 2019 GitHub Universe keynote, Open Source won, and every time you add a new open source project you rely on someone else code and you rely on the people that build it.
This is both exciting and problematic. You are bringing real risk into your organization, and I'm excited to see progress in the industry from OpenSSF scorecards and package analyzers to the company that Feross Aboukhadijeh is building!
Depend on Socket to prevent malicious open source dependencies from infiltrating your app.
Install the Socket GitHub App in just 2 clicks and get protected today.
Block 70+ issues in open source code, including malware, typo-squatting, hidden code, misleading packages, permission creep, and more.
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Attackers have taken notice of the opportunity to attack organizations through open source dependencies. Supply chain attacks rose a whopping 700% in the past year, with over 15,000 recorded attacks.
Nov 23, 2025
Shai Hulud v2
Shai Hulud v2 campaign: preinstall script (setup_bun.js) and loader (setup_bin.js) that installs/locates Bun and executes an obfuscated bundled malicious script (bun_environment.js) with suppressed output.
Nov 05, 2025
Elves on npm
A surge of auto-generated "elf-stats" npm packages is being published every two minutes from new accounts. These packages contain simple malware variants and are being rapidly removed by npm. At least 420 unique packages have been identified, often described as being generated every two minutes, with some mentioning a capture the flag challenge or test.
Jul 04, 2025
RubyGems Automation-Tool Infostealer
Since at least March 2023, a threat actor using multiple aliases uploaded 60 malicious gems to RubyGems that masquerade as automation tools (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Telegram, WordPress, and Naver). The gems display a Korean Glimmer-DSL-LibUI login window, then exfiltrate the entered username/password and the host's MAC address via HTTP POST to threat actor-controlled infrastructure.
Mar 13, 2025
North Korea's Contagious Interview Campaign
Since late 2024, we have tracked hundreds of malicious npm packages and supporting infrastructure tied to North Korea's Contagious Interview operation, with tens of thousands of downloads targeting developers and tech job seekers. The threat actors run a factory-style playbook: recruiter lures and fake coding tests, polished GitHub templates, and typosquatted or deceptive dependencies that install or import into real projects.
Jul 23, 2024
Network Reconnaissance Campaign
A malicious npm supply chain attack that leveraged 60 packages across three disposable npm accounts to fingerprint developer workstations and CI/CD servers during installation. Each package embedded a compact postinstall script that collected hostnames, internal and external IP addresses, DNS resolvers, usernames, home and working directories, and package metadata, then exfiltrated this data as a JSON blob to a hardcoded Discord webhook.
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A five-month operation turned 27 npm packages into durable hosting for browser-run lures that mimic document-sharing portals and Microsoft sign-in, targeting 25 organizations across manufacturing, industrial automation, plastics, and healthcare for credential theft.