Axios NPM Compromise File Creation Indicators - Windows

title: Axios NPM Compromise File Creation Indicators - Windows
id: cd6386fa-bb9a-4b67-b006-786b6ab5d2ba
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects file creation events linked to the Axios NPM supply chain compromise. Axios is a popular JavaScript HTTP client.
    On March 30, 2026, malicious versions (1.14.1, 0.30.4) were published to npm, injecting a dependency (plain-crypto-js@4.2.1) that executed a postinstall script as a cross-platform RAT dropper.
    The dropper contacted a C2 server, delivered platform-specific payloads, deleted itself, and replaced package.json to evade detection.
    The attack used cscript.exe (VBScript), curl.exe (C2), and PowerShell masquerading as Windows Terminal.
references:
    - https://www.stepsecurity.io/blog/axios-compromised-on-npm-malicious-versions-drop-remote-access-trojan
    - https://www.derp.ca/research/axios-npm-supply-chain-rat/
    - https://www.trendmicro.com/zh_hk/research/26/c/axios-npm-package-compromised.html
    - https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/axios-supply-chain-compromise-detections
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/e10b1fa84f1d6481625f741b69892780140d4e0e7769e7491e5f4d894c2e0e09
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2026-04-01
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1195.002
    - detection.emerging-threats
logsource:
    category: file_event
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        Image|endswith:
            - '\node.exe'
            - '\powershell.exe'
    selection_fils:
        - TargetFilename:
              - 'C:\ProgramData\wt.exe'
              - 'C:\ProgramData\system.bat'
        - TargetFilename|contains|all:
              - 'C:\Users\'
              - '\AppData\Local\Temp\6202033.vbs'
        - TargetFilename|contains|all:
              - 'C:\Users\'
              - '\AppData\Local\Temp\6202033.ps1'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Highly unlikely
level: high