Discord Users Targeted with NPM Packages

Harmful NPM packages are stealing usernames, passwords, and financial information from Discord users. The campaign, dubbed "LofyLife", plucks tokens from users, infects files for monitoring activity, and can even change a Discord user's password in mere seconds.

What is NPM all About?

NPM is an acronym short for node package manager. The NPM repository is used to conceal malware that pilfers Discord tokens to observe Discord sessions and steal information from the chat service.

Who Identified the Threat?

Kaspersky’s team deserves credit for identifying the threat. The campaign highlighted by digital security specialists with Kaspersky conceals open-source token loggers in addition to the JavaScript novel malware within NPM packages. The campaign even records details about users' computers, including IP addresses from compromised computers.

The Kaspersky digital security specialists pinpointed nefarious activity within four packages with concealed JavaScript and Python code designed to compromise target machines. The Python code is an altered form of the Volt Stealer token vlogger. LofyStealer was designed for compromising client files within the Discord chat service, setting the stage for observing, tracking, and compromising user activity.

To What Extent Can Hackers Monitor Discord User Activity?

The threat is advanced to the point that it determines when users log in, change their passwords, alter registered email addresses, activate/deactivate multi-factor authentication, and more. Even alterations to financial information such as stored data about credit cards and other forms of payment are monitored for data collection purposes. The collected data is transferred to the remote endpoint.

Why are Digital Miscreants Interested in Open-Source Repositories?

In plain terms, aggressions toward repositories that are of the open-source variety are a covert means of digital aggressors zeroing in on a multitude of users and apps with the utmost efficiency. Open-source repositories are essentially used as vessels to conceal malware that waits until the opportune moment to strike.

Discord is an especially attractive target as it has millions of users, meaning repository packages are downloaded billions of times. However, open source has an upside: it allows community members to make improvements to code without requiring financial compensation, ultimately benefiting the greater good.

Why are NPM Repositories Such a Significant Threat?

There is a concern that hackers will use NPM repositories for nefarious purposes such as digital aggressions against the supply chain. The repository functions as an open-source base for developers. On this base, they can trade and utilize specific code blocks that have applications across a litany of online applications. However, if there is even a slight corruption, there is the potential for issues with the supply chain. The harmful code can be propagated within apps and subsequently used to target the app's users.

How can Businesses and Websites Defend Against Malicious Packages?

Discord is becoming that much more popular with each passing day, meaning more businesses and everyday people will begin to incorporate the chat service into work and life. However, as noted above, all open-source repositories including but not limited to Discord, can potentially be used for harmful purposes. Update your digital security protections today, and you'll be able to confidently transition toward an uncertain tomorrow.