CVE-2025-59144 in debug
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2025
debug is a JavaScript debugging utility. On 8 September 2025, the npm publishing account for debug was taken over after a phishing attack. Version 4.4.2 was published, functionally identical to the previous patch version, but with a malware payload added attempting to redirect cryptocurrency transactions to the attacker's own addresses from within browser environments. Local environments, server environments, command line applications, etc. are not affected. If the package was used in a browser context (e.g. a direct <script> inclusion, or via a bundling tool such as Babel, Rollup, Vite, Next.js, etc.) there is a chance the malware still exists and such bundles will need to be rebuilt. The malware seemingly only targets cryptocurrency transactions and wallets such as MetaMask. npm removed the offending package from the registry over the course of the day on 8 September, preventing further downloads from npm proper. On 13 September, the package owner published new patch versions to help cache-bust those using private registries who might still have the compromised version cached. Users should upgrade to the latest patch version, completely remove their node_modules directory, clean their package manager's global cache, and rebuild any browser bundles from scratch. Those operating private registries or registry mirrors should purge the offending versions from any caches. This issue has been resolved in 4.4.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2026
The CVE-2025-59144 vulnerability represents a sophisticated supply chain attack targeting the widely-used JavaScript debugging utility debug. This incident demonstrates how attackers can exploit compromised npm accounts to inject malicious code into popular packages, creating a significant security risk for developers who rely on these dependencies. The attack occurred when the npm publishing account for the debug package was compromised through a phishing operation, allowing the attacker to publish version 4.4.2 with malicious functionality while maintaining the appearance of a legitimate patch update. This type of compromise falls under the category of credential theft and account takeover attacks that are increasingly common in software supply chain security breaches.
The technical implementation of this malware payload specifically targets browser environments where the debug package is included directly or through bundling tools like Babel, Rollup, Vite, or Next.js. The malicious code operates by attempting to redirect cryptocurrency transactions from users' wallets, particularly targeting MetaMask and similar browser-based wallets. This attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates within the browser context where users have active wallet connections and transaction authorization capabilities. The malware payload is designed to be stealthy, appearing functionally identical to the legitimate version while executing unauthorized cryptocurrency transaction redirection. This approach aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1583.001 technique for acquiring credentials through phishing attacks and T1059.007 for using JavaScript for execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection, as it creates a complex remediation challenge for organizations and individual developers. The fact that only browser environments are affected means that server-side applications, command line tools, and local development environments remain unaffected, but this selective impact makes the vulnerability more insidious since it can go undetected in traditional security scanning processes. The compromised package was removed from the npm registry on September 8th, but the damage was already done as cached versions persisted in private registries and local developer environments. This scenario exemplifies the challenges of maintaining security in distributed software ecosystems where cached versions can persist long after malicious code has been removed from official sources. The vulnerability's resolution in version 4.4.3 required comprehensive remediation steps including complete cache clearing, node_modules removal, and rebuild of browser bundles, demonstrating the breadth of impact that such supply chain compromises can have on development workflows.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of how attackers exploit the trust placed in popular open-source packages to deliver malicious payloads. The incident highlights the importance of implementing supply chain security measures including registry monitoring, artifact verification, and automated security scanning of dependencies. Organizations should consider implementing policies that require regular updates of dependencies, use of private registries with proper cache management, and automated security scanning tools that can detect anomalous package behavior. The vulnerability also underscores the need for multi-factor authentication for npm accounts and regular security audits of published packages. From a compliance perspective, this attack aligns with requirements under various cybersecurity frameworks that mandate monitoring of software dependencies and implementation of secure development practices. The incident serves as a reminder that even well-established packages can become compromised, making continuous vigilance and proactive security measures essential for maintaining software security postures.