Emerging Threathighexperimental

Axios NPM Compromise Indicators - Windows

Detects the specific Windows execution chain and process tree associated with the Axios NPM supply chain compromise. 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. The attack used cscript.exe (VBScript), curl.exe (C2), and PowerShell masquerading as Windows Terminal.

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Launch
Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)Created Wed Apr 01f6c27ecc-d890-4452-80e6-2e274a10e0972026
Emerging Threat
Active Threat

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

Log Source
WindowsProcess Creation
ProductWindows← raw: windows
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 Logic3 selectors
detection:
    selection_cscript:
        ParentImage|endswith:
            - '\node.exe'
            - '\bun.exe'
        Image|endswith: '\cmd.exe'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'cscript'
            - 'AppData\Local\Temp'
            - '//nologo && del'
            - '6202033.vbs'
    selection_curl:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\curl.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
        CommandLine|contains: 'http://sfrclak.com'
    selection_susp_cli:
        OriginalFileName: 'PowerShell.EXE'
        CommandLine|contains: '"C:\ProgramData\wt.exe" -w hidden -ep bypass -file'
    condition: 1 of selection_*
False Positives

Highly unlikely

Rule Metadata
Rule ID
f6c27ecc-d890-4452-80e6-2e274a10e097
Status
experimental
Level
high
Type
Emerging Threat
Created
Wed Apr 01
Path
rules-emerging-threats/2026/Malware/Axios-NPM-Compromise/proc_creation_win_axios_npm_compromise_indicators.yml
Raw Tags
attack.initial-accessattack.t1195.002attack.executionattack.command-and-controlattack.defense-evasionattack.t1059.003attack.t1059.005attack.t1105detection.emerging-threats
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