Suspicious NPM Install Hook Executing Setup Script via Node

ATT&CK techniques

Initial Access → Execution

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
- T1195.002Compromise Software Supply Chain
Execution
- T1059.007JavaScript
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects an npm lifecycle process spawning node to run a setup.mjs script, the install-hook pattern used by malicious npm packages to execute code the moment a dependency is installed. This vector drives the npm supply chain attacks tracked by Unit 42. Detecting the hook-driven script run exposes attacker code executing during package installation before any application runs.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious NPM Install Hook Executing Setup Script via Node

Pivot detection · T1059.007 · 9 related

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