NPM malware now has multiple targets!

NPM malware now has multiple targets!

🎙 John Hammond 👥 2.2M 📅 November 29, 2025 ⏱ 54 min 👁 16K 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-08-16
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

NPMmalwaresupply chainreverse engineeringExoTickler

Summary

In this video, John Hammond and Josh Reynolds from InvokeRE discuss the discovery and analysis of a new variant of the ‘ExoTickler’ malware, which has expanded beyond the initial Cities Skylines mod to target multiple ecosystems. The malware was found in the npm package ’eslint-config-prettier’, which was compromised via a phishing attack on the maintainer. The attackers used typo-squatting to steal an npm token, allowing them to publish malicious versions. The malware includes a loader that downloads additional modules from a command-and-control server, specifically targeting crypto wallets and development tokens. The analysis reveals the use of advanced anti-analysis techniques, including custom CRC32 hashing for dynamic function resolution, string obfuscation using the ’exorstring’ project, and anti-sandbox checks that crash the loader if detected. The video also highlights the broader trend of supply chain attacks, with similar compromises in game mods for Cities Skylines, American Road mod for B&G, and a GTA 5 mod. The attackers appear to be versatile, shifting between gaming and development communities. The potential impact is significant, with millions of downloads affected. The video provides a detailed technical walkthrough of the reverse engineering process, including the use of Binary Ninja and custom scripts to deobfuscate strings.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The video provides high-value information by presenting a real-world case study of a supply chain attack, with concrete technical details on the malware’s behavior and analysis. The argumentation is solid, based on evidence from the malware samples, public disclosures, and the researchers’ own reverse engineering. The discussion of the timeline and the connection between different compromised packages is compelling. The researchers are careful to distinguish facts from speculation, which enhances credibility.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The video demonstrates scientific rigor by referencing specific technical details, such as the use of CRC32 hashing and the exorstring project. The sources cited include the maintainer’s tweet, public disclosures from the affected communities, and the researchers’ own analysis. The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on the expansion of NPM malware to multiple targets. The video does not include any sponsored content, and the affiliations mentioned are clearly disclosed.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which discusses the expansion of NPM malware to multiple targets, including game mods and other ecosystems.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The video is a technical analysis by a recognized cybersecurity educator, featuring a guest researcher from InvokeRE. It provides concrete evidence, code analysis, and references to public disclosures. The claims are supported by technical details and external sources, though some speculation is present.

Key Moments

Cited Sources

Concurring Sources

Contribution & Novelties

The video provides a detailed analysis of a new variant of the ExoTickler malware, highlighting its expansion to multiple targets and the use of advanced anti-analysis techniques. It offers a unique perspective on the connection between different supply chain attacks and the versatility of the threat actors. The reverse engineering methodology, including the use of Binary Ninja and custom scripts, is a valuable contribution to the cybersecurity community.

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Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in technical depth and information quality, with slightly lower scores in quantity and reliability, reflecting the focused but detailed nature of the analysis.

Reliability 8/10

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