Shai-Hulud npm Supply Chain Attack: What It Is & How to Protect Your Organization
A new worm named “Shai-Hulud” is affecting the npm ecosystem, the world’s largest software registry and the default package manager for Node.js. The worm has compromised well over two hundred code packages. It steals developer credentials, and uses those credentials to spread itself. The worm can publish itself into other packages, and even insert malicious GitHub Actions workflows. Most alarmingly, it leaks stolen credentials to public GitHub repos which dramatically increases risk.
Why the Shai-Hulud Attack Matters for Supply Chain Security
Code package compromise can have wide reaching effects. A single infected dependency can cascade through your entire software supply chain and quickly spread risk. This includes credential theft, since exposed tokens give attackers access to your repos, pipelines, and cloud environments. In addition, malicious workflows can persistently exfiltrate secrets or data.
How Security Teams Can Protect Against npm Supply Chain Attacks
There are specific actions security teams can take in order to protect against malicious code packages, including those created by Shai-Hulud. Security teams should audit dependencies and be prepared to kick off scans. They should also lock versions, scan regularly, and maintain and manage an up-to-date SBOM in order to measure risk and mitigate actions taken. Hardening secrets is another area where teams should focus. This includes using least privilege, token rotation, and avoiding long-lived credentials in continuous integration environments. Pipelines should be reviewed for security gaps by analyzing new workflows, ensuring approvals are required, and that build environments are isolated. Teams should prepare to respond quickly to revoke exposed tokens, block or replace compromised packages, and carefully monitor for unusual repo or package activity.
How Brinqa Helps Organizations Respond to Shai-Hulud
Identifying whether Shai-Hulud has affected your environment and assessing its potential impact is a complex endeavor. We know you’re dealing with a lot and trying to identify what’s actually a fire. We’re here to help if you need it. Brinqa provides Unified Exposure Management, giving organizations visibility into where compromised packages or workflows are in use. With risk-based prioritization, Brinqa highlights the exposures that matter most, integrates threat intelligence for cases such as Shai-Hulud, and automates remediation workflows.
By unifying vulnerability, asset, and threat data, Brinqa helps you act fast, reduce exposure, and stay resilient against these kinds of supply chain attacks.
Connect with a member of the Brinqa team to learn more.
