Malicious code in weavedb-lite (npm)
package.json declares "preinstall": "./src/deps.ts", but src/deps.ts is not TypeScript — its first bytes are the ELF magic (\x7fELF\x02\x01\x01), identifying it as a ~954 KB Linux x86-64 executable (sha256 36abd242…b436d36). Renaming a native binary with a .ts extension is deliberate disguise to evade reviewers and scanners. Running npm install weavedb-lite on Linux directly executes this opaque binary on the installer's machine before any other code runs, with no source, no documented purpose, no version pin, and no integrity verification. Extracted strings include HTTP/POST and https:// indicators consistent with network exfiltration or C2 callback, but the binary's actual behavior cannot be inspected statically. Additionally, the package name weavedb-lite mimics the WeaveDB ecosystem and declares bin entries (wao, wao-esm) that collide with the legitimate wao package it also depends on, fitting a typosquat/namespace-abuse pattern targeting developers searching for WeaveDB or wao tooling. The preinstall ELF execution alone is sufficient to block; the typosquat shape corroborates intentional impersonation.
This package was compromised as part of the IronWorm campaign. This campaign executes a malicious binary payload during installation via a preinstall hook. The payload is a Rust-built infostealer that targets developer environments, scanning for and harvesting credentials related to cloud providers, object storage, databases, source-control, package registries, and AI developer tools. It also targets cryptocurrency wallets, specifically injecting a malicious JavaScript hook into the Exodus desktop wallet to capture passwords and recovery phrases. Furthermore, the malware exhibits worm-like behavior by stealing GitHub and NPM credentials to push malicious updates to the victim's repositories and publish trojanized packages, and it uses an eBPF-based kernel rootkit to hide its processes and network connections on Linux systems.
MAL-2026-4720 is recorded against 1 package.
Published on 26 May 2026 and last revised on 4 June 2026. No public exploit is currently recorded for this entry. Record sourced from OSV.
www.npmjs.com (Package)
www.ox.security (Article)
research.jfrog.com (Article)
Details
Affected Packages
| Software | From version | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| weavedb-lite | — | — |
References
Free Vulnerability Check
BotEraser helps you identify potentially vulnerable plugins and themes by checking your installation against MAL-2026-4720 and other known CVE records.
Scan My Site Free →No credit card required · Results in minutes
ⓘ Data Notice: The information presented above has been compiled from publicly available internet sources. Boteraser aggregates this data solely for informational purposes and does not independently classify, evaluate, or endorse any findings about the vulnerabilities listed. The accuracy and completeness of this information is the sole responsibility of the original publishers. Boteraser and its operators accept no liability for any decisions made based on this data.
Stay up to date with the latest from Boteraser.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site, you consent to cookies.
Manage your cookie preferences below:
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
CloudFlare provides web performance and security solutions, enhancing site speed and protecting against threats.
Service URL: developers.cloudflare.com (opens in a new window)
These cookies are needed for adding comments on this website.
These cookies are used for managing login functionality on this website.
Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.
Service URL: policies.google.com (opens in a new window)
You can find more information in our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.