Critical

148 npm Packages Disguised as Student Proxies Turned Browsers Into a DDoS Botnet

The Hacker News

July 14, 2026 at 7:08 AM

Actively Exploited

Overview

A recent study by JFrog revealed that 148 npm packages masqueraded as student proxy tools, turning users' browsers into a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) botnet for about two weeks in May. These packages did not target developers but instead leveraged the npm registry to host a malicious proxy site, attracting students looking to bypass restrictions. Once installed, the packages allowed attackers to harness the computing power of visitors' browsers to launch DDoS attacks. This incident raises concerns about the security of open-source package repositories and highlights the potential risks for users who may unknowingly install compromised software. Developers and users alike need to be vigilant about the packages they choose to install to avoid becoming part of such attacks.

Key Takeaways

Active Exploitation: This vulnerability is being actively exploited by attackers. Immediate action is recommended.
Affected Systems: 148 npm packages
Action Required: Users should audit their npm packages and remove any suspicious or unknown packages.
Timeline: Ongoing since May 2023

Original Article Summary

A campaign of 148 npm packages disguised as student web proxies turned visitors' browsers into a distributed denial-of-service botnet for roughly two weeks in May, according to new research from JFrog. The packages did not go after the developers who might install them. The operators used the registry as free hosting for a booby-trapped proxy site and let the students who came to dodge

Impact

148 npm packages

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is confirmed to be actively exploited by attackers in real-world attacks. Organizations should prioritize patching or implementing workarounds immediately.

Timeline

Ongoing since May 2023

Remediation

Users should audit their npm packages and remove any suspicious or unknown packages. Developers should ensure they are using trusted sources and consider implementing security measures to verify package integrity.

Additional Information

This threat intelligence is aggregated from trusted cybersecurity sources. For the most up-to-date information, technical details, and official vendor guidance, please refer to the original article linked below.

Related Topics: This incident relates to Malware, Botnet, DDoS.

Read Original Article

Related Coverage

Anthropic Users Hit by Infostealer Attacks, Session Thefts

darkreading

Users of Anthropic's AI platform, Claude, have fallen victim to infostealer attacks, which allowed attackers to gather session information and gain unauthorized access to their accounts. The exact number of affected users remains unclear, but the incident raises significant concerns about the security of user data on such platforms. Infostealers are malicious programs designed to extract sensitive information, and in this case, they specifically targeted user sessions, potentially compromising personal data and interactions. This incident serves as a reminder for users to be vigilant about their account security, especially when using online services that handle sensitive information.

Aug 31, 2026

'TerminalFix' Campaign Weaponizes PowerShell for Enterprise Attacks

darkreading

The 'TerminalFix' campaign has emerged as a serious cyber threat targeting enterprise networks. This attack employs a ClickFix-style approach, characterized by a complex, multistage process that includes creating reverse tunnels to infiltrate victim organizations. The use of PowerShell in these attacks allows cybercriminals to execute commands and scripts remotely, making it easier for them to manipulate systems without detection. Companies with vulnerable defenses should be particularly cautious, as these tactics can lead to significant data breaches or system compromises. The sophistication of the attack underscores the need for robust security measures and ongoing vigilance in cybersecurity practices.

Aug 31, 2026

AI Model Rules Are Not Security Controls

darkreading

A recent analysis by OpenAI of the Hugging Face attack reveals that simply having rules for AI models is not enough to prevent misuse. The report emphasizes that attackers often disregard established guidelines, which means organizations need to implement stronger security controls to protect their systems effectively. This finding is significant for developers and companies using AI technologies, as it shows that compliance with rules alone does not safeguard against sophisticated threats. Instead, a more proactive approach focusing on robust security measures is essential to mitigate risks associated with AI misuse. The implications are far-reaching, as inadequate security could lead to misuse of AI models in various applications, potentially leading to harmful outcomes.

Aug 31, 2026

North Korean Job Fraud Expands Beyond IT Into Healthcare and Sales

The Hacker News

Recent investigations have revealed that North Korean operatives are expanding their job fraud schemes beyond the IT sector into areas like healthcare and sales. These individuals are posing as legitimate workers to secure employment, which raises concerns about insider threats in these fields. Researchers found that this ongoing tactic is part of a broader scheme aimed at exploiting various industries for financial gain or intelligence gathering. The implications are significant, as it not only affects companies in these sectors but also poses risks to data security and public safety, particularly in healthcare. Organizations should be vigilant in their hiring practices and verify the backgrounds of potential employees to mitigate these risks.

Aug 31, 2026

OpenAI confirms ChatGPT outage as users report errors

BleepingComputer

OpenAI has confirmed that ChatGPT is experiencing a partial outage, affecting users across various subscription plans. Many users have reported difficulties in starting or continuing their tasks on the platform, leading to frustration among those relying on the service for work or personal projects. This outage raises concerns about the reliability of AI tools, particularly for businesses that integrate them into their workflows. While OpenAI is working to resolve the issue, the downtime serves as a reminder of the potential vulnerabilities in cloud-based services and the impact such outages can have on productivity. Users are advised to keep an eye on updates from OpenAI regarding the status of the service.

Aug 31, 2026

Nightmare Eclipse Drops ‘HardBreacher’ Kaspersky Product Exploit

SecurityWeek

A vulnerability in Kaspersky's Endpoint Security product has been patched following its disclosure by the hacking group Nightmare Eclipse. The exploit, dubbed 'HardBreacher,' was revealed to affect users of Kaspersky's security software, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security measures. Kaspersky confirmed that they have released a patch to address this issue. This incident emphasizes the importance of timely updates in cybersecurity products to protect users from emerging threats. Organizations using Kaspersky's Endpoint Security should ensure they apply the latest updates to safeguard their systems.

Aug 31, 2026