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Fraudulent npm Packages Deceive Software Developers into Malware Installation

 

A new cyber threat dubbed DEV#POPPER is currently underway, targeting software developers with deceitful npm packages disguised as job interview opportunities, aiming to dupe them into downloading a Python backdoor. Securonix, a cybersecurity firm, has been monitoring this activity and has associated it with North Korean threat actors.

In this scheme, developers are approached for fake job interviews where they are instructed to execute tasks that involve downloading and running software from seemingly legitimate sources like GitHub. However, the software actually contains a malicious payload in the form of a Node JS script, which compromises the developer's system upon execution. The individuals involved in tracking this activity, namely Den Iuzvyk, Tim Peck, and Oleg Kolesnikov, have shed light on this fraudulent practice.

This campaign came to light in late November 2023 when Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 revealed an operation known as Contagious Interview. Here, threat actors pose as potential employers to entice software developers into installing malware such as BeaverTail and InvisibleFerret during the interview process. Moreover, in February of the following year, Phylum, a software supply chain security firm, uncovered similar malicious packages on the npm registry delivering the same malware families to extract sensitive information from compromised developer systems.

It's important to distinguish Contagious Interview from Operation Dream Job, associated with the Lazarus Group from North Korea. While the former targets developers primarily through fake identities on freelance job portals and utilizes developer tools and npm packages leading to malware distribution, the latter involves sending malicious files disguised as job offers to unsuspecting professionals across various sectors.

Securonix outlined the attack chain, which begins with a ZIP archive hosted on GitHub sent to the target as part of the interview process. Within this archive lies a seemingly harmless npm module containing a malicious JavaScript file, BeaverTail, which acts as an information stealer and a loader for a Python backdoor named InvisibleFerret retrieved from a remote server. This backdoor is capable of various malicious activities, including command execution, file enumeration, exfiltration, clipboard monitoring, and keystroke logging.

This development underscores the ongoing efforts of North Korean threat actors to refine their cyber attack techniques, continuously updating their methods to evade detection and maximize their gains. Maintaining a security-focused mindset, especially during high-pressure situations like job interviews, is crucial in mitigating such social engineering attacks, as highlighted by Securonix researchers. The attackers exploit the vulnerability and distraction of individuals during these situations, emphasizing the need for vigilance and caution.

Deceptive npm Packages Employed to Deceive Software Developers into Malware Installation

 

A persistent scheme aimed at software developers involves fraudulent npm packages disguised as job interview opportunities, with the intention of deploying a Python backdoor onto their systems.

Securonix, a cybersecurity company, has been monitoring this campaign, dubbed DEV#POPPER, which they attribute to North Korean threat actors. 

"During these fraudulent interviews, the developers are often asked to perform tasks that involve downloading and running software from sources that appear legitimate, such as GitHub," security researchers Den Iuzvyk, Tim Peck, and Oleg Kolesnikov said. "The software contained a malicious Node JS payload that, once executed, compromised the developer's system."

Details of this campaign surfaced in late November 2023, when Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 revealed a series of activities known as Contagious Interview. Here, the threat actors masquerade as employers to entice developers into installing malware such as BeaverTail and InvisibleFerret during the interview process.

Subsequently, in February of the following year, Phylum, a software security firm, uncovered a collection of malicious npm packages on the registry. These packages delivered the same malware families to extract sensitive information from compromised developer systems.

It's important to distinguish Contagious Interview from Operation Dream Job, also linked to North Korea's Lazarus Group. The former targets developers primarily through fabricated identities on freelance job platforms, leading to the distribution of malware via developer tools and npm packages.

Operation Dream Job, on the other hand, extends its reach to various sectors like aerospace and cryptocurrency, disseminating malware-laden files disguised as job offers.

The attack sequence identified by Securonix begins with a GitHub-hosted ZIP archive, likely sent to the victim during the interview process. Within this archive lies an apparently harmless npm module housing a malicious JavaScript file, BeaverTail, which serves as an information thief and a loader for the Python backdoor, InvisibleFerret, retrieved from a remote server. This implant can gather system data, execute commands, enumerate files, and log keystrokes and clipboard activity.

This development underscores the continued refinement of cyber weapons by North Korean threat actors, as they update their tactics to evade detection and extract valuable data for financial gain.

Securonix researchers emphasize the importance of maintaining a security-conscious mindset, particularly during high-pressure situations like job interviews, where attackers exploit distraction and vulnerability.

Singapore Explores Generative AI Use Cases Through Sandbox Options

 

Two sandboxes have been introduced in Singapore to facilitate the development and testing of generative artificial intelligence (AI) applications for government agencies and businesses. 

These sandboxes will be powered by Google Cloud's generative AI toolsets, including the Vertex AI platform, low-code developer tools, and graphical processing units (GPUs). Google will also provide pre-trained generative AI models, which include their language model Palm, AI models from partners, and open-source alternatives.

The initiative is a result of a partnership agreement between the Singapore government and Google Cloud to establish an AI Government Cloud Cluster. The purpose of this cloud platform is to promote AI adoption in the public sector.

The two sandboxes will be provided at no cost for three months and will be available for up to 100 use cases or organizations. Selection for access to the sandboxes will occur through a series of workshops over 100 days, where participants will receive training from Google Cloud engineers to identify suitable use cases for generative AI.

The government sandbox will be administered by the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO), while the sandbox for local businesses will be managed by Digital Industry Singapore (DISG).

Singapore has been actively pursuing its national AI strategy since 2019, with over 4,000 researchers currently contributing to AI research. However, the challenge lies in translating this research into practical applications across different industries. The introduction of these sandboxes aims to address potential issues related to data, security, and responsible AI implementation.

Karan Bajwa, Google Cloud's Asia-Pacific vice president, emphasized the need for a different approach when deploying generative AI within organizations, requiring robust governance and data security. It is crucial to calibrate and fine-tune AI models for specific industries to ensure optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.

Several organizations, including the Ministry of Manpower, GovTech, American Express, PropertyGuru Group, and Tokopedia, have already signed up to participate in the sandbox initiatives.

GovTech, the public sector's CIO office, is leveraging generative AI for its virtual intelligence chat assistant platform (Vica). By using generative AI, GovTech has reduced training hours significantly and achieved more natural responses for its chatbots.

During a panel discussion at the launch, Jimmy Ng, CIO and head of group technology and operations at DBS Bank, emphasized the importance of training AI models with quality data to mitigate risks associated with large language models learning from publicly available data.

Overall, the introduction of these sandboxes is seen as a positive step to foster responsible AI development and application in Singapore's public and private sectors.