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Npm Btree Malware Campaign Evades Security Measures

Npm Btree Malware Campaign Evades Security Measures

First seen 20 Sep 2026, 15:51 UTC

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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster September 20, 2026 at 16:48 UTC
  • The 'indexed-btree' package bypasses npm's security by hiding malware in runtime code.
  • Attackers have earned approximately €230,933.57 from this campaign using Ethereum.
  • Checkmarx identified nine additional malicious npm packages linked to this operation.

A malicious npm package named 'indexed-btree' is part of an ongoing supply chain attack, affecting millions of downloads. This package mimics the legitimate 'sorted-btree' library and has achieved nearly 2 million weekly downloads. Instead of using traditional install scripts, the malware is activated through the package's BTree.prototype.set method during runtime. The attackers have reportedly earned 109 ETH, approximately €230,933.57, from this campaign. The malware collects system information and exfiltrates it via hardcoded Slack and Telegram channels. Security measures introduced by GitHub in June 2026, aimed at blocking lifecycle scripts, have been bypassed by this method. Checkmarx has identified nine additional npm packages linked to the same operation, which have also garnered significant downloads. The campaign is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more details emerge.

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Timeline

2026-06-01
GitHub announces npm security measures
New measures block lifecycle scripts unless explicitly approved to prevent supply chain attacks.
Bleepingcomputer
2026-09-20
Malicious indexed-btree package identified
Checkmarx reports on the indexed-btree package, which has nearly 2 million weekly downloads and uses a unique malware activation method.
Checkmarx
2026-09-20
Attackers profit from malware campaign
The indexed-btree campaign has reportedly generated 109 ETH in profit for the attackers, amounting to around €230,933.57.
Checkmarx

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