Question 1

Can GeekWala detect malicious packages?

Accepted Answer

GeekWala detects known CVEs in legitimate packages, enriched with EPSS exploitation probability and CISA KEV active exploitation data. It does not perform behavioral analysis to detect novel malicious code. For malicious package detection, use a specialized tool like Socket.dev alongside GeekWala. The two tools are complementary — GeekWala covers vulnerability management and prioritization, Socket.dev covers supply chain attack detection.

Question 2

What's the difference between a CVE and a supply chain attack?

Accepted Answer

A CVE is a cataloged vulnerability — typically an unintentional bug — in a legitimate package. The maintainer didn't mean to introduce the flaw, and once discovered, they release a patch. A supply chain attack is intentional: an attacker injects malicious code into a package (through account compromise, typosquatting, or other means) with the goal of stealing data, installing backdoors, or causing harm. CVEs have identifiers you can look up. Supply chain attacks may never receive a CVE at all.

Question 3

How do I protect my npm packages from being compromised?

Accepted Answer

Enable two-factor authentication on your npm account immediately — use a hardware security key if possible. Use strong, unique passwords and monitor your account for unauthorized publishes. Consider npm's granular access tokens to limit what automation tokens can do. Review access permissions regularly and remove contributors who no longer maintain the package. Enable npm's publish notifications so you're alerted if someone publishes a version you didn't authorize.

Question 4

Should I stop using open source packages?

Accepted Answer

No. Open-source software powers virtually all modern software. The risk isn't in using open source — it's in using it without appropriate security practices. Pin your versions, scan for CVEs, use behavioral analysis tools for malicious packages, review dependency updates, and minimize unnecessary dependencies. A well-maintained dependency with a large contributor base and active security response is typically safer than writing equivalent code yourself.

Question 5

How quickly are malicious packages typically detected and removed?

Accepted Answer

Detection time varies significantly. High-profile compromises of popular packages (like the dYdX incident) are typically detected within hours to a few days as developers notice unusual behavior and report it. Less prominent malicious packages — typosquatted names or packages targeting niche ecosystems — can persist for weeks or even months before discovery. This is why delayed adoption (waiting 7-14 days before upgrading) is an effective defense: it lets the community's collective detection catch most threats before they reach your pipeline.