TON Wallet Security Threat: Malicious npm Package Steals Cryptocurrency Wallet Keys

TON Wallet Security Threat: Malicious npm Package Steals Cryptocurrency Wallet Keys

A malicious npm package, @ton-wallet/create, has been discovered, stealing mnemonic phrases from users in the TON ecosystem. This impersonation of the legitimate @ton/ton package poses serious supply chain security risks for developers and users alike. The package remains live after six months, exposing a significant number of TON users to financial theft. Affected: TON ecosystem, blockchain developers, crypto wallet users

Keypoints :

  • The Socket Research Team identified a malicious npm package, @ton-wallet/create, which steals mnemonic phrases.
  • The package impersonates the legitimate @ton/ton package, thereby gaining credibility among developers.
  • It has been live for six months, unnoticed in the JavaScript ecosystem.
  • It targets the process.env.MNEMONIC variable to steal sensitive data.
  • The potential impact includes financial theft for blockchain developers and crypto wallet users.
  • The malicious package communicates with an attacker’s Telegram bot to exfiltrate stolen mnemonic information.
  • Mitigation strategies include regular auditing of dependencies, usage of security tools, and reporting the malicious package to npm for removal.

MITRE Techniques :

  • MitRE Technique: T1071 – Application Layer Protocol
    – Procedure: The malicious package uses the Telegram API to send stolen mnemonic phrases to the attacker’s Telegram bot.
  • MitRE Technique: T1083 – File and Directory Discovery
    – Procedure: The malicious code is found within specific files of the @ton-wallet/create package, allowing for the discovery of environment variables.

Indicator of Compromise :

  • [Malicious Package] @ton-wallet/create
  • [Bot Token] 7493700888:AAGJ5nyXemePuHqleSOqkIM23Yhs0o01q-Q
  • [Chat ID] -1002197015763
  • [Known Malicious File Path] index.js (within @ton-wallet/create package)
  • [Known Malicious File Path] dist/index.js (within @ton-wallet/create package)

Full Story: https://socket.dev/blog/ton-wallet-security-threat-malicious-npm-package-steals-cryptocurrency-wallet-keys