Researchers have discovered 13 npm packages carrying a previously undocumented JavaScript information stealer called WeaselBiscuit, introducing yet another malicious threat to the npm package ecosystem. In addition to linking the packages together via shared indicators, OpenSourceMalware found several similarities between BeaverTail and OtterCookie, two North Korean malware families.
A number of packages are included, including @biz44/id10-client, @biz44/id12-client, @biz44/id44-client, @biz44/id79-client, @biz44/id95-client, @biz44/id99-client, @biz44/process-runtime-utils, @biz44/runtime-utils, @biz44/engin1, id79-client, process-lhpm, process-mite, and process-tailwind. Many were first observed between September 12 and September 16, 2026, with some versions still available on NPM at the time of analysis.
In comparison to BeaverTail and OtterCookie, WeaselBiscuit appears much smaller. In addition to remote access and cryptocurrency theft functions, the malware focuses on profiling hosts and collecting data collected by Chrome extensions rather than carrying a broad range of remote access functions. Malware loaders are launched when a compromised package is imported, causing detached Node.js processes to begin execution.
After retrieving an encoded payload from an Npoint URL, the loader executes the decoded code directly in memory. Following execution, the malware obtains its command-and-control configuration from another Npoint endpoint before connecting to 103.170.217.184:8787. Among the data collected are hostnames, usernames, operating systems, CPUs, and memory, as well as local and public IP addresses.
Chrome profiles are also searched for extension storage on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux platforms. Chrome's Local Extension Settings directory may contain information associated with browser extensions, including cryptocurrency wallet extensions, which makes this collection especially significant.
Instead of relying on a specific list of wallet extensions, OpenSourceMalware reported the stealer uploads readable, non-empty files from these locations.
C2 servers can also provide commands for monitoring the clipboard and logging Windows keystrokes.
Despite these capabilities, the recovered malware does not include direct wallet draining functionality, browser password decryption, seed phrase searching, screenshots, or a remote shell access. Additionally, some BeaverTail and OtterCookie activities have a Python-based InvisibleFerret stage that is not present in any other activity.
Possible Links to DPRK Malware
WeaselBiscuit has been compared to malware associated with the DPRK-linked Contagious Interview campaign, but the attribution has yet to be confirmed. OpenSourceMalware did not find conclusive evidence that the attack was originated by North Korea based on operational infrastructure, victimology, campaign metadata or other identifying materials.
WeaselBiscuit employs the dead-drop technique of Npoint.io as a dead-drop service, a technique previously observed in Contagious Interview campaigns. Some of its technical indicators, however, overlap with earlier campaigns. Additionally, its code performs public IP and geolocation checks using IPify.org and IP-API.com, while parts of its command-and-control design are similar to OtterCookie's.
Among the numeric identifiers found in the malware are 10, 12, 44, 79, 95, and 99. These identifiers are similar to campaign markers associated with PolinRider activity, however their exact purpose in WeaselBiscuit is unclear. In terms of capability, BeaverTail and OtterCookie are more closely related.
Several features are retained in WhistlerBiscuit, including system profiling, Chrome extension data collection, clipboard monitoring, and keylogging, all of which are common to those malware families. However, several of their heavier features are removed, including remote access functions, wallet draining capabilities, screenshots, and secondary payload delivery.
Researchers at Cisco Talos observed a similar overlap in October 2025, when they discovered that the node-nvm-ssh package contained characteristics related to both BeaverTail and OtterCookie. The findings suggest that code and techniques from these malware families have been found in a variety of combinations within npm-based malicious code.
The WeaselBiscuit stealer should be viewed for the time being as a distinctive lightweight stealer with distinct technical similarities to DPRK-related tooling rather than a new DPRK malware family confirmed by the DPRK. For a more conclusive attribution, further evidence from infrastructure, campaigns, or code levels would be required.
With the discovery of WeaselBiscuit, security risks are highlighted within the npm ecosystem, particularly for developers utilizing third-party packages. In addition to the ability to collect Chrome extension data and similarity to BeaverTail and OtterCookie, it warrants continued investigation as researchers investigate its origins and wider
[…]
Content was trimmed to protect the source. Please visit the original article for the full text.
Read the original article:
