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Visual Studio Code (VSCode), a popular code editor by Microsoft, has become a target for cybercriminals exploiting its extensive marketplace of extensions. Researchers recently uncovered alarming vulnerabilities, including malicious extensions that have infiltrated over 100 organizations. One notable example is the fake extension “Darcula,” which mimicked the popular “Dracula Official” theme. This extension was used to demonstrate how easily attackers can exploit the VSCode marketplace.
Key Findings:
- 1,283 extensions contain malicious code, with 229 million total installations.
- 8,161 extensions communicate with hardcoded IP addresses.
- 1,452 extensions execute unknown files.
- 2,304 extensions are unofficial copies.
Useful Links:
- Research on malicious extensions: https://lnkd.in/eZw2gV25
- Tool to analyze potentially malicious extensions: https://lnkd.in/eqKYaD_N
- GitHub list of removed packages: https://lnkd.in/eq4RKdNq
- Microsoft’s efforts to secure the marketplace: https://lnkd.in/e4rWUmhZ
You Should Know:
To protect yourself from malicious VSCode extensions, follow these best practices and use the commands below to audit and secure your environment:
1. Audit Installed Extensions:
Use the following command to list all installed VSCode extensions:
code --list-extensions
2. Remove Suspicious Extensions:
Uninstall any extensions you don’t recognize or trust:
code --uninstall-extension <extension-id>
3. Check Extension Permissions:
Review the permissions of installed extensions by inspecting their `package.json` files:
cat ~/.vscode/extensions/<extension-id>/package.json
4. Monitor Network Activity:
Use `tcpdump` to monitor network traffic for suspicious connections:
sudo tcpdump -i eth0 -n
5. Scan for Malware:
Use `ClamAV` to scan your system for malware:
sudo apt-get install clamav sudo freshclam sudo clamscan -r ~/.vscode
6. Block Suspicious IPs:
Use `iptables` to block hardcoded IPs found in malicious extensions:
sudo iptables -A INPUT -s <suspicious-ip> -j DROP
7. Enable VSCode Telemetry:
Ensure telemetry is enabled to report suspicious activity to Microsoft:
"telemetry.enableTelemetry": true
What Undercode Say:
The risks associated with malicious VSCode extensions highlight the importance of vigilance in the software supply chain. Always verify the authenticity of extensions before installation and regularly audit your development environment. Use the provided commands to monitor, detect, and mitigate potential threats. By staying proactive, you can safeguard your systems and data from supply chain attacks.
For further reading, visit the links above to explore the research and tools available for analyzing VSCode extensions. Stay secure!
References:
Reported By: Kondah Je – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
