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WEL1DROPPER cross-platform RAT and infostealer delivery chain

Malware Activity
First reported
Last updated
Happening score
H score 36
1 unique sources, 1 articles

Summary

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The WEL1DROPPER malware chain is delivering RAT and infostealer payloads through nearly 800 malicious npm packages, expanding cross-platform risk for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. The packages use a README-driven require() path to trigger the loader, which fingerprints the host and retrieves a matching payload from Cloudflare Workers or fallback wel1[.]ru domains. On Windows, the final stage includes ETW/AMSI patching, sandbox checks, and persistence via a Registry Run key and scheduled task. On Linux, the chain can deploy Sliver, an open-source C2 framework, showing the loader is part of a broader malicious distribution operation.

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Timeline

  1. 07.08.2026 21:48 2 articles · 2h ago

    Nearly 800 malicious npm packages deliver WEL1DROPPER payloads

    Initial Disclosure

    A cluster of nearly 800 malicious npm packages is published to the npm registry in a supply-chain campaign that uses a README-instructed require() path to launch WEL1DROPPER, identify the host operating system and processor architecture, and fetch a compatible payload from Cloudflare Workers or wel1[.]ru. The chain delivers RAT and infostealer functionality across Windows, macOS, and Linux; the Windows stage patches ETW and AMSI, checks for sandboxes and virtual environments, and establishes persistence, while the Linux stage can deploy Sliver, and the macOS payload includes domain references that suggest possible targeting of Russian financial institutions and mobile payments.

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