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Developer Uncovers Malicious npm Package Hidden in Fake Job Take-Home Test

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A developer received a full-stack coding assignment from a company called Antfarm DAO, which appeared legitimate with a polished website, professional communication, and realistic technical task. Upon inspecting the repository's dependency tree, they discovered a transitive npm package — @aaron205whitmore/postcss-animate-utils@1.0.2 — containing malicious code. The package was designed to contact a remote IP address and execute arbitrary JavaScript via a dynamically constructed function with Node's require access. The developer halted execution, audited the machine for signs of compromise, and found no evidence of active C2 communication, though conclusive absence could not be confirmed. The incident highlights how supply-chain attacks can be embedded deep in dependency graphs and disguised behind credible-looking recruitment processes.

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