Emerging Threathighexperimental

Axios NPM Compromise Indicators - Linux

Detects the Linux-specific execution chain of the plain-crypto-js malicious npm dependency by Axios NPM package, including payload download via curl and detached execution using nohup and python3. On March 30, 2026, malicious versions (1.14.1, 0.30.4) were published to npm, injecting a dependency (plain-crypto-js@4.2.1) that executed a postinstall script as a cross-platform RAT dropper. The dropper contacted a C2 server, delivered platform-specific payloads, deleted itself, and replaced package.json to evade detection.

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Launch
Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)Created Wed Apr 010a23a62d-c5b3-468b-a072-25064a9a8c872026
Emerging Threat
Active Threat

Developed to detect an active or emerging threat. Prioritize investigation of any alerts and correlate with threat intelligence.

Log Source
LinuxProcess Creation
ProductLinux← raw: linux
CategoryProcess Creation← raw: process_creation

Events generated when a new process is spawned on the system. Covers command-line arguments, parent/child relationships, and process metadata.

Detection Logic
Detection Logic2 selectors
detection:
    selection_node_shell:
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - '/node'
            - '/bun'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'curl '
            - '/tmp/ld.py'
            - 'python3 '
            - 'nohup '
            - '6202033'
    selection_curl_download:
        Image|endswith: '/curl'
        CommandLine|contains: 'http://sfrclak.com'
    condition: 1 of selection_*
False Positives
Unlikely

False positives are unlikely for most environments. High confidence detection.

Rule Metadata
Rule ID
0a23a62d-c5b3-468b-a072-25064a9a8c87
Status
experimental
Level
high
Type
Emerging Threat
Created
Wed Apr 01
Path
rules-emerging-threats/2026/Malware/Axios-NPM-Compromise/proc_creation_lnx_axios_npm_compromise_indicators.yml
Raw Tags
attack.initial-accessattack.t1195.002attack.executionattack.command-and-controlattack.defense-evasionattack.t1059.006attack.t1059.004attack.t1105detection.emerging-threats
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