the attacker injected a package called `plain-crypto-js@4.2.1.` this dependency is never actually used by axios - its only function is to trigger a "postinstall" script.
the script acts as a remote access trojan (rat) dropper that targets macos, windows, and linux systems alike.
once active, the dropper contacts a command-and-control (c2) server at sfrclak[.]com to download platform-specific second-stage payloads. to evade forensic detection, the malware deletes its own footprint and replaces its package.json with a clean version immediately after execution.
if you have installed either of the affected axios versions, assume your system is compromised.
indicators of compromise (iocs)
malicious packages:
axios@1.14.1
axios@0.30.4
plain-crypto-js@4.2.1
network c2:
sfrclak[.]com (ip: 142.11.206.73)
platform-specific files:
macos: /library/caches/com.apple.act.mond
windows: %programdata%\wt.exe
linux: /tmp/ld.py
remediation steps:
> revert and pin: downgrade to last known safe versions: axios@1.14.0 (for 1.x users); axios@0.30.3 (for 0.x users).
>rotate creds: rotate all secrets, api keys, and credentials stored on or accessed by exposed machines.
>audit logs: check network logs for outbound connections to sfrclak[.]com or 142.11.206.73.
>harden ci/cd: use npm install --ignore-scripts in ci environments to block malicious postinstall scripts.