The Growing Threat of Credential Theft via npm Preinstall Attacks and How EASM Can Help

Credential theft is a persistent and evolving threat in today’s cybersecurity landscape, and the recent surge in attacks leveraging npm preinstall scripts marks a concerning new trend. As developers increasingly rely on open-source software repositories like npm for JavaScript packages, attackers are exploiting this trust to steal credentials at scale. Thankfully, External Attack Surface Management (EASM) solutions like those offered by DarkInvader provide powerful tools to detect, monitor, and mitigate such attacks before they inflict serious damage.

What Are npm Preinstall Attacks?

npm (Node Package Manager) is the default package manager for the JavaScript programming language and is widely used in modern software development for managing dependencies. Attackers have discovered a way to exploit the “preinstall” lifecycle script, which runs automatically before a package installation begins. Malicious actors inject harmful code into these scripts that execute on developers’ or systems’ machines when packages are installed or updated.

One particularly alarming use of this technique is credential theft. Attackers embed scripts that silently search for sensitive information—such as API keys, passwords, and tokens—on the compromised systems. This information is then exfiltrated back to the attacker, allowing them to gain unauthorized access to systems, cloud services, or internal networks. Recent reports note this attack vector impacting over 25,000 repositories, revealing the scale and effectiveness of this threat.

Why This Threat Is Particularly Dangerous

• Supply Chain Vulnerability: Since npm packages are frequently pulled from public repositories that anyone can publish to, attackers benefit from the open nature of the ecosystem. Organizations may inadvertently install or update packages that contain malicious code.
• Stealth and Automation: The preinstall script executes automatically without explicit user intervention or suspicion, giving attackers a stealthy entry point.
• Wide Reach: Popular and often indirectly referenced dependencies in many projects mean a single compromised package can affect thousands of applications globally.
• Credential Harvesting Enables Further Attacks: Stolen credentials can be used to escalate privileges, move laterally within networks, or kick off ransomware campaigns.

How EASM Helps Mitigate npm Preinstall Attacks

External Attack Surface Management (EASM) involves discovering, monitoring, and managing an organisation’s digital footprint, including externally visible assets and software dependencies. Here's how EASM is critical in combating threats like npm preinstall credential theft:

• Asset Discovery and Monitoring: EASM continuously maps an organisation’s internet-facing assets and development environments to identify where vulnerable npm packages might be in use.
• Risk Identification: By monitoring software dependencies, EASM solutions can identify vulnerable or suspicious packages, including those known to have malicious preinstall scripts.
• Vulnerability Detection: EASM tools can flag exposed credentials and leaked secrets found anywhere across the digital attack surface, helping prioritize remediation.
• Threat Context: Linking threat intelligence to exposed assets, EASM platforms highlight real-world attacks targeting specific components like npm, aiding proactive defence.
• Automated Remediation Guidance: EASM platforms often integrate with security workflows to accelerate patching and cleaning compromised components quickly.

At DarkInvader, our EASM platform takes a holistic approach to managing and reducing the external attack surface. We provide tailored insights that enable security teams to identify compromised dependencies early, safeguard critical credentials, and prevent attackers from exploiting npm preinstall or similar supply chain vulnerabilities.

Summary

Credential theft via npm preinstall attacks exemplifies the growing sophistication and stealth in cyber threats today’s organisations face. With over 25,000 repositories recently impacted, it is clear that attacking software supply chains has become a prime vehicle for cybercriminals. External Attack Surface Management is the frontline defence that helps organisations gain visibility into these risks, uncover compromised assets, and respond swiftly before breaches escalate.

By leveraging DarkInvader’s EASM capabilities, security teams can strengthen their defences against supply chain threats like npm preinstall attacks, protecting credentials and preserving trust within their software environments.