Critical Malicious Code Vulnerability in @accordproject/markdown-it-cicero Package
Summary
MAL-2025-191176: Malicious code in @accordproject/markdown-it-cicero (npm). Affects @accordproject/markdown-it-cicero versions 0.16.26. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The @accordproject/markdown-it-cicero package is an npm library designed for processing and rendering Cicero Markdown, which is used in smart legal contracts. It provides functionalities for parsing and converting Cicero Markdown into a format suitable for further processing. However, this package has been compromised, introducing severe security risks to systems utilizing it.
Vulnerability Detail
This vulnerability originates from the Sha1-Hulud: The Second Coming NPM worm, which has infected the @accordproject/markdown-it-cicero package. The malicious payload is designed to steal tokens and credentials, publishing them to GitHub. Furthermore, it can propagate itself to other npm packages owned by the user and establish persistence through GitHub actions. The worm may also lead to the destruction of the user's home directory, making it critical for users to act swiftly.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall @accordproject/markdown-it-ciceroIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, users should consider isolating the affected environment and refrain from executing any scripts or commands that utilize the compromised package until it has been fully removed and the system has been secured.
Conclusion
The @accordproject/markdown-it-cicero package has been compromised by a malicious worm, posing significant security threats to users. Immediate action is required to remove the package and secure any affected systems. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring for such vulnerabilities in the future.
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FAQ
Immediately remove the package and rotate any secrets or keys stored on the affected system.
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The risks include unauthorized access to sensitive tokens and credentials, potential destruction of data, and propagation of malicious code to other packages.
While there is no specific patch for the compromised version, it is crucial to update to the latest version of the package or remove it entirely.
Regularly monitor your dependencies for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert and keep your packages updated to their latest versions.
