Over 400 JavaScript packages compromised by Shai Hulud malware, raising urgent security concerns for crypto developers
A new NPM supply-chain attack has targeted hundreds of JavaScript packages, including at least 10 widely used in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, notably those linked to Ethereum Name Service (ENS). The malware, dubbed Shai Hulud, is a self-replicating worm capable of stealing credentials from infected developer environments, intensifying concerns about crypto software security.
Scope of the Attack
Cybersecurity researcher Charlie Eriksen of Aikido Security identified over 400 infected NPM packages, validating each to avoid false positives. The affected libraries include high-download packages such as ENS’s content-hash (36,000 weekly downloads) and address-encoder(37,500 weekly downloads), along with ensjs, ens-validation, ethereum-ens, and ens-contracts. Non-crypto packages, including tools from automation platform Zapier, were also compromised, some exceeding 1.5 million weekly downloads.
Eriksen warned that “the scope of this new Shai Hulud attack is frankly massive; we’re still working through the queue to confirm it all. It’ll make the previous attack look like nothing.”
Shai Hulud is distinct from previous crypto-targeted attacks because it steals credentials rather than directly stealing cryptocurrency, potentially compromising wallet keys and other sensitive developer secrets.
Implications for the Crypto Ecosystem
Packages linked to ENS, a human-readable address service for Ethereum, are heavily relied upon in multiple projects. For example, content-hash alone has 91 dependent packages, highlighting the risk of cascading impacts across the ecosystem. Cryptocurrency projects and developers relying on these libraries may face operational and security risks if the malware spreads unchecked.
Cybersecurity firm Wiz reported spotting over 25,000 affected repositories across ~350 unique users, with 1,000 new repositories being added every 30 minutes. The firm emphasized the need for immediate investigation and remediation in any environment using NPM.
The Shai Hulud attack underscores the growing threat of supply-chain malware in crypto and software development. Developers are urged to audit dependencies, rotate credentials, and implement automated security monitoring to mitigate risk. With both ENS-related and widely used general packages affected, the incident highlights the critical importance of supply-chain security in protecting developer infrastructure and digital assets.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.
We use cookies to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. In accordance with GDPR/AVG and EU cookie regulations, data is processed only with your consent. We may share information about your use of our website with our social media, advertising, and analytics partners, and you can manage or withdraw your consent at any time. View more
Cookies settings
Accept
Privacy & Cookie policy
Privacy & Cookies policy
Cookies list
Cookie name
Active
Privacy Policy
At BitxJournal.com, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, process, store, and protect personal information in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and AVG (EU privacy legislation).
1. Data Controller
BitxJournal.com acts as the data controller for all personal data processed through this website.
2. Personal Data We Collect
We may collect and process the following categories of data:
Personal Data
Name and email address (when you subscribe to newsletters or contact us)
Technical & Usage Data
IP address, browser type, operating system
Device information
Pages visited, referral sources, and interaction data
This data is collected via cookies, log files, and analytics technologies.
3. Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal data only when a lawful basis exists, including:
Consent – when you explicitly agree (e.g., cookies, newsletter sign-up)
Legitimate interest – to operate, secure, and improve our website
Legal obligation – when required by applicable laws
You may withdraw your consent at any time.
4. Purpose of Data Processing
Your data is processed for the following purposes:
Operating and maintaining the website
Improving content, usability, and performance
Sending newsletters or updates (only with consent)
Analyzing traffic and user behavior
Responding to inquiries or support requests
5. Cookies & Consent Management
We use cookies and similar technologies in compliance with EU Cookie Law.
Non-essential cookies are placed only after explicit user consent
Users may accept, reject, or manage cookie preferences at any time
Consent can be withdrawn without affecting prior lawful processing
Detailed cookie information is available in our Cookie Settings panel.
6. Third-Party Data Processing
We may share limited data with trusted third-party service providers, including:
Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics)
Advertising partners (for personalized or non-personalized ads)
These third parties act as data processors and process data only under contractual obligations compliant with GDPR/AVG.
7. International Data Transfers
Where data is transferred outside the European Economic Area (EEA), we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or equivalent legal mechanisms.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.
9. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
10. Your GDPR Rights
Under GDPR/AVG, you have the right to:
Access your personal data
Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data
Request data erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
Restrict or object to processing
Data portability
Withdraw consent at any time
Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
12. Contact Information
For privacy-related inquiries or GDPR requests, contact:
