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Susvsex malicious ransomware extension

Malware Activity
First reported
Last updated
Happening score
H score 24
2 unique sources, 2 articles

Summary

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A malicious VS Code extension, susvsex, was published to Microsoft's official marketplace, creating a direct path for file theft and AES-256-CBC encryption in developer environments. The extension activates on install or launch, then exfiltrates archives to a hardcoded C2 and encrypts the target files. It also polls a private GitHub repository for commands, showing a basic but operational malware workflow. The finding matters because a readily installed extension can deliver ransomware-like behavior through a trusted software channel.

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Timeline

  1. 06.11.2025 23:52 2 articles · 6mo ago

    susvsex malicious VS Code extension discovered on Microsoft marketplace

    Initial Disclosure

    Secure Annex researcher John Tuckner discovered susvsex, a malicious extension published by suspublisher18 on Microsoft's official VS Code marketplace, and documented that its description openly advertised file theft to a remote server and encryption of all files with AES-256-CBC. The extension activates on installation or when VS Code launches through extension.js, creates ZIP archives for exfiltration to a hardcoded command-and-control address, encrypts files, and polls a private GitHub repository via index.html and a PAT token for commands; Microsoft did not remove the extension after the report.

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