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Scrape Timestamp (UTC): 2026-01-08 10:39:11.469

Source: https://thehackernews.com/2026/01/researchers-uncover-nodecordrat-hidden.html

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Researchers Uncover NodeCordRAT Hidden in npm Bitcoin-Themed Packages. Cybersecurity researchers have discovered three malicious npm packages that are designed to deliver a previously undocumented malware called NodeCordRAT. The names of the packages, all of which were taken down as of November 2025, are listed below. They were uploaded by a user named "wenmoonx." "The bitcoin-main-lib and bitcoin-lib-js packages execute a postinstall.cjs script during installation, which installs bip40, the package that contains the malicious payload," Zscaler ThreatLabz researchers Satyam Singh and Lakhan Parashar said. "This final payload, named NodeCordRAT by ThreatLabz, is a remote access trojan (RAT) with data-stealing capabilities." NodeCordRAT gets its name from the use of npm as a propagation vector and Discord servers for command-and-control (C2) communications. The malware is equipped to steal Google Chrome credentials, API tokens, and seed phrases from cryptocurrency wallets like MetaMask. According to the cybersecurity company, the threat actor behind the campaign is assessed to have named the packages after real repositories found within the legitimate bitcoinjs project, such as bitcoinjs-lib, bip32, bip38, and bip38. Both "bitcoin-main-lib" and "bitcoin-lib-js" include a "package.json" file that features "postinstall.cjs" as a postinstall script, leading to the execution of "bip40" that contains the NodeCordRAT payload. The malware, besides fingerprinting the infected host to generate a unique identifier across Windows, Linux, and macOS systems, leverages a hard-coded Discord server to open a covert communication channel to receive instructions and execute them - "This data is exfiltrated using Discord's API with a hardcoded token and sent to a private channel," Zscaler said. "The stolen files are uploaded as message attachments via Discord's REST endpoint /channels/{id}/messages."

Daily Brief Summary

MALWARE // NodeCordRAT Malware Disguised in npm Bitcoin-Themed Packages Removed

Cybersecurity researchers discovered three npm packages distributing NodeCordRAT malware, targeting cryptocurrency users with data-stealing capabilities. The packages were removed by November 2025.

The malicious packages, named bitcoin-main-lib and bitcoin-lib-js, executed a postinstall script to install the NodeCordRAT payload through a package called bip40.

NodeCordRAT is a remote access trojan that steals Google Chrome credentials, API tokens, and cryptocurrency wallet seed phrases, posing a significant threat to digital asset security.

The malware exploits npm for propagation and utilizes Discord servers for command-and-control communications, creating a covert channel for data exfiltration.

The threat actor mimicked legitimate bitcoinjs project repositories, misleading users into downloading the malicious packages.

NodeCordRAT operates across Windows, Linux, and macOS, generating unique identifiers for infected hosts and using Discord's API to send stolen data to a private channel.

The incident underscores the importance of rigorous scrutiny of third-party packages and highlights the evolving tactics of cybercriminals in targeting cryptocurrency environments.