Malware in root-locator
The npm package root-locator contains malware that grants full system compromise to attackers. Any computer with this package installed or running should be considered fully compromised.
- Disclosed
- Last updated
- Blast radius
- Any system with the package installed or running
- Ecosystems
- Attack vectors
- Affected entities
- root-locator
The npm package root-locator has been identified as containing malware. According to the GitHub Security Advisory, any computer that has this package installed or running should be considered fully compromised.\n\nThe advisory recommends that all secrets and keys stored on affected computers be rotated immediately from a different, uncompromised system. 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\nAffected users should treat their systems as potentially fully compromised and take appropriate incident response measures.
Indicators of compromise
- Packages
- root-locator
Remediation
- Immediately isolate affected systems from the network
- Rotate all secrets, API keys, and credentials from a different, uncompromised computer
- Remove the root-locator package from all systems
- Perform a full security audit and malware scan of affected systems
- Consider the affected systems as potentially fully compromised and plan for complete rebuild if critical systems are involved
- Review access logs and audit trails for any unauthorized activity during the period the package was installed
Sources
- GitHub Advisory GHSA-57g4-vm3v-74xg · GitHub Advisory Database
Cite this entry
"Malware in root-locator." supplychainattack.org, Supply Chain Attack Incident Catalog. Disclosed August 13, 2026; last updated August 13, 2026. https://supplychainattack.org/incident/malware-in-root-locator-1lv0f6
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