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CloneGuard

Scans repositories for malware before you run them

SecurityOpen sourceOpen source · verified#malware-scanner#cli#code-security

Listed by the ProductPerch team from Hacker News · not launched here yet

What is CloneGuard?

CloneGuard is a command-line security scanner built in Go. It analyzes local folders and cloned repositories to detect malicious patterns before users execute any code. The tool operates in read-only mode and never runs, installs, or imports files from the target project.

It identifies common attack vectors such as credential theft, hidden network requests, obfuscated scripts, and automatic execution hooks like VS Code tasks or npm install scripts. Each finding includes the affected file, line number, code snippet, and a plain-language explanation of the risk.

The scanner supports machine-readable JSON output and uses exit codes to integrate easily into automation workflows or pre-commit hooks. It requires Go 1.24 or higher to build and has zero third-party dependencies.

CloneGuard features

  • Scans local folders and git repositories for malicious code patterns
  • Detects credential theft, hidden network calls, and auto-run hooks
  • Operates in read-only mode without executing or importing project files
  • Outputs detailed findings with file paths, line numbers, and explanations
  • Provides JSON output and numeric exit codes for script integration
  • Requires Go 1.24+ to build with zero third-party dependencies

Who uses CloneGuard and for what

  • Reviewing take-home coding assignments from recruiters before running them
  • Checking open-source packages downloaded from package registries
  • Adding a pre-commit hook to block dangerous code from entering a repository
  • Automating security checks in CI pipelines using JSON output and exit codes
  • Auditing shared development environments for hidden credential-stealing scripts

CloneGuard FAQ

Is CloneGuard free?

Yes, CloneGuard is released under the MIT license and is free to download and use. The website does not mention commercial support or enterprise plans.

Does CloneGuard require installation?

You build it locally using Go 1.24 or higher with a single command. The resulting binary can be added to your system path. The website does not specify official installers or package manager support.

What types of malware does CloneGuard detect?

It looks for credential theft attempts, hidden network connections, obfuscated code, and automatic execution hooks like editor tasks or install scripts. The website does not list every possible detection rule.

Can I use CloneGuard in automated scripts?

Yes, it returns numeric exit codes for different threat levels and supports a JSON flag for machine-readable results. The website does not provide examples for specific CI systems.

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