Trust is sticky. Version bumps can ship new exfil while APIs stay stable.
Problem
Same package name. Familiar API. New version. Hidden side effect on load or on a hot method. That is maintainer/release compromise - not a typo.
For top-N packages by import graph reach, require human approval on version bumps—even patch lines.
Solution concept
Ship one control at a time, measure bypasses, then add the next. A single enforced check beats a binder of unenforced best practices.
- Pin + human review for critical deps
- Verify provenance attestations when available
- Alert on novel egress from package code
- Prefer smaller dependency surfaces for trust boundaries
- Users already depend on a trusted package name
- Maintainer account or release pipeline is abused
- New version preserves exports but adds a beacon path
- Consumers update routinely and inherit the behavior
Field notes
High-reach libraries (HTTP clients, auth helpers, logging) deserve slower upgrade trains. A patch bump that adds network calls to unfamiliar hosts is a stronger signal than a CVSS score alone.
Residual risk
Authorized malicious publishes beat signature checks. Layer identity, behavior, and blast-radius reduction.
Try it - talk back
Explore the concept in Supply Chain Attack Simulator (SCAS):
- Master supply chain security with real attack scenarios
- Start Here
- Compromised Package Supply Chain Attack
If you face any issues - Github Issues - RAJANAGORI
