Hackers Weaponize npm Packages To Steal Solana Private Keys Via Gmail

Socket’s threat research team has identified a series of malicious npm packages specifically designed to steal private keys from Solana wallets.

The implicated packages—@async-mutex/mutex, dexscreener, solana-transaction-toolkit, and solana-stable-web-huks—typosquat on popular libraries, appearing to serve legitimate functions while covertly executing malware.

The threat actors behind these packages utilize overlapping techniques, employing similar code to intercept private keys during wallet interactions.

These keys are then routed through Gmail’s SMTP servers, taking advantage of Gmail’s trusted status to evade detection by firewalls and other security systems.

At present, these malicious npm packages remain active, although Socket has petitioned for their removal and reported linked GitHub repositories that amplify their malicious activities.

The Deceptive Packages

The npm package @async-mutex/mutex has been identified as a typographical variant of the well-known package async-mutex, which has an impressive download count exceeding 93 million. In stark contrast, the malicious version has only garnered 240 downloads, raising significant concerns about its reliability.

Similarly, it dexscreener presents itself as a library designed for accessing decentralized exchange (DEX) data; however, it exhibits the same malicious code characteristics as @async-mutex/mutex.

Furthermore, the packages solana-transaction-toolkit and solana-stable-web-huks have been found to not only steal private keys but also drain victims’ wallets, transferring as much as 98% of the funds to addresses controlled by attackers.

Technical Insights

Socket’s analysis reveals that these packages utilize hardcoded Gmail accounts for data exfiltration.

For instance, code snippets from the packages show functions that send stolen private keys directly to attacker-controlled email addresses like vision.high.ever@gmail.com and qadeerkhanr5@gmail.com.

The solana-transaction-toolkit employs an automated transaction process that siphons funds from victims’ wallets, leaving a small percentage behind to avoid arousing suspicion.

The threat actors have also leveraged GitHub to enhance the credibility of their operations, publishing repositories under misleading aliases that falsely advertise helpful Solana development tools.

These repositories are used to spread the malicious packages further, increasing the risk of compromise for unsuspecting developers.

To mitigate the risks posed by these malicious packages, Socket advises developers to:

• Verify Package Authenticity: Always check the download statistics and publisher history of npm packages.
• Conduct Regular Audits: Regularly audit dependencies within codebases to identify and eliminate any malicious code.
• Implement Strict Access Controls: Maintain tight controls around access to private keys to limit exposure.
• Monitor Network Traffic: Keep an eye out for unusual outbound connections, particularly those utilizing SMTP services.
• Utilize Security Tools: Leverage tools like the Socket GitHub app for early detection of malicious dependencies during development.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying informed and vigilant is essential to securing software supply chains and protecting sensitive data from malicious actors.

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