High severity · published Sep 15, 2025
CVE-2025-59144
debug@4.4.2 contains malware after npm account takeover
8.8
CVSS
0.5%
EPSS
No
On KEV
Description
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.
Exploitation
Is it being used?
Exploit prediction (EPSS)0.5% · higher than 41% of CVEs
Exploited in the wildNo evidence yet
CISA KEVNot listed
Ransomware campaign useNot known
Affected products
Which versions
DE
debug · debug-js
= 4.4.2 · source: vendor
References
NVD
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-59144
CVE.org
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2025-59144
github.com
https://github.com/debug-js/debug/issues/1005
github.com
https://github.com/debug-js/debug/security/advisories/GHSA-4x49-vf9v-38px
socket.dev
https://socket.dev/blog/npm-author-qix-compromised-in-major-supply-chain-attack
www.aikido.dev
https://www.aikido.dev/blog/npm-debug-and-chalk-packages-compromised
www.ox.security
https://www.ox.security/blog/npm-packages-compromised
www.openwall.com
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/09/23/8
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