Malware in chai-defender
The npm package chai-defender contains malware that fully compromises any system where it is installed or running. All secrets and keys on affected systems should be rotated immediately from a different computer.
- Disclosed
- Last updated
- Blast radius
- Any system with chai-defender installed or running is fully compromised.
- Ecosystems
- Attack vectors
- Affected entities
- chai-defendernpm package containing malware
The npm package chai-defender has been identified as containing malware. According to the GitHub Advisory (GHSA-hqh4-jccw-jxg6), any computer with this package installed or running should be considered fully compromised.\n\nAffected systems require immediate remediation. All secrets and cryptographic keys stored on compromised computers should be rotated immediately from a different, unaffected computer. While the package should be removed, there is no guarantee that removal will eliminate all malicious software that may have been installed as a result of the initial compromise, given that the attacker may have gained full control of the system.\n\nThe advisory was published on 2026-07-10 via GitHub's security advisory system.
Indicators of compromise
- Packages
- chai-defender
Remediation
- Immediately rotate all secrets, API keys, and cryptographic credentials from a different, unaffected computer
- Remove the chai-defender package from all affected systems
- Conduct a full security audit and malware scan of any system that had chai-defender installed
- Review system logs and access logs for any unauthorized activity during the period the package was installed
- Consider the affected system(s) as potentially fully compromised and plan for complete rebuild if critical infrastructure
Sources
- GitHub Advisory GHSA-hqh4-jccw-jxg6 · GitHub Advisory Database
Cite this entry
"Malware in chai-defender." supplychainattack.org, Supply Chain Attack Incident Catalog. Disclosed July 10, 2026; last updated July 10, 2026. https://supplychainattack.org/incident/malware-in-chai-defender-1kmcq3
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