North Korean state-sponsored actors are conducting a sophisticated supply chain campaign targeting software developers. They are flooding the npm ecosystem and GitHub with malicious packages (delivering “OtterCookie” malware) and using fake job interviews (“Contagious Interview”) to trick developers into installing them.
Business Impact
This targets the human element of the software supply chain. Compromising a developer’s machine grants attackers access to internal networks, code signing keys, and production environments, potentially leading to massive downstream breaches.
Why It Happened
Attackers are exploiting the trust developers place in open-source ecosystems and the job market. They use social engineering and obfuscated code to hide malware within seemingly legitimate tools and libraries.
Recommended Executive Action
Implement strict controls on npm package installations (e.g., using a private proxy with scanning). Train developers to recognize social engineering tactics in job offers and to vet open-source dependencies rigorously before use.
Hashtags: #SupplyChain #NPM #GitHub #NorthKorea #Lazarus #DeveloperSecurity #Malware #InfoSec