Ethical Hacking News
Fake Next.js job interview tests expose thousands of developer devices to remote code execution, according to a recent discovery by Microsoft security researchers. The attackers created fake web application projects built with Next.js and disguised them as legitimate coding projects to share with developers during job interviews or technical assessments. Learn more about this shocking incident and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
Security researchers at Microsoft uncovered a coordinated campaign targeting software developers with job-themed lures. The attackers created fake web application projects in Next.js disguised as legitimate coding projects. The malicious repositories triggered automatic execution of malicious JavaScript when opened locally, allowing remote code execution on the machine. The infection process dropped a payload that profiled the host and registered with a command-and-control endpoint. Microsoft advises developers to take precautions such as enforcing Workspace Trust/Restricted Mode and using Attack Surface Reduction rules.
In a shocking discovery, security researchers at Microsoft have uncovered a coordinated campaign targeting software developers with job-themed lures. The attackers created fake web application projects built with Next.js and disguised them as legitimate coding projects to share with developers during job interviews or technical assessments.
The malicious repositories were initially identified on the Bitbucket cloud-based Git-based code hosting and collaboration service, where they shared similar code structures, loader logic, and naming patterns. When a target clones the repository and opens it locally, following a standard workflow, they trigger malicious JavaScript that executes automatically when launching the app.
The script downloads additional malicious code, a JavaScript backdoor, from the attacker's server and executes it directly in memory with the running Node.js process, allowing remote code execution on the machine. This is made possible through multiple execution triggers embedded within the malicious repositories, including VS Code trigger, Dev server trigger, and Backend startup trigger.
These triggers allow the attackers to take control of developer machines, exfiltrate sensitive data, and introduce additional payloads on compromised systems. The infection process drops a JavaScript payload that profiles the host and registers with a command-and-control (C2) endpoint, polling the server at fixed intervals. The payload also supports file enumeration, directory browsing, and staged file exfiltration.
The researchers noted that the campaign involved multiple repositories sharing naming conventions, loader structure, and staging infrastructure, indicating a coordinated effort rather than a one-off attack. Aside from the technical analysis, no details about the attacker or the extent of the operation were provided.
To mitigate this threat, Microsoft advises developers to treat standard workflows as high-risk attack surfaces and take appropriate precautions. This includes enforcing VS Code Workspace Trust/Restricted Mode, using Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rules, and monitoring risky sign-ins with Entra ID Protection. Developers should also minimize secrets stored on their endpoints and use short-lived tokens with the least required privileges where possible.
This incident highlights the importance of vigilance in software development and the need for developers to stay informed about emerging threats. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is essential for developers to be aware of potential vulnerabilities and take proactive measures to protect themselves and their organizations from cyber threats.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Fake-Nextjs-Job-Interview-Tests-Expose-Thousands-of-Developer-Devices-to-Remote-Code-Execution-ehn.shtml
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/fake-nextjs-job-interview-tests-backdoor-developers-devices/
https://cybersecuritynews.com/beware-of-fake-job-interview-challenges/
Published: Wed Feb 25 16:18:30 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
