Critical Malicious Code Vulnerability in @kong/spec-renderer Package
Summary
MAL-2025-191455: Malicious code in @kong/spec-renderer (npm). Affects @kong/spec-renderer versions 1.101.10-pr.747.ed2920a.0. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The @kong/spec-renderer package is a tool used in the Node.js ecosystem for rendering API specifications. It is designed to facilitate the development and documentation of APIs, providing developers with a structured way to define and visualize API endpoints. However, this package has been compromised, leading to significant security concerns.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability stems from the presence of malicious code within the @kong/spec-renderer package, specifically in version 1.101.10-pr.747.ed2920a.0. This malicious code can fully compromise any computer running the package, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information such as secrets and keys. The origin of this vulnerability is linked to the package being flagged by the GitHub Security Advisory (GHSA-3r2q-8jxp-mjmh) as containing embedded malicious code, which poses a severe risk to users and their systems.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall @kong/spec-renderer
If it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a workaround, users should uninstall the @kong/spec-renderer package using the command: npm uninstall @kong/spec-renderer. Additionally, ensure that all sensitive information is secured and rotated to prevent unauthorized access.
Conclusion
The @kong/spec-renderer package has been identified as containing malicious code that poses a significant security risk. Users are urged to uninstall the package immediately and take necessary precautions to secure their systems. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring for such vulnerabilities in the future.
See every vulnerability recorded for @kong/spec-renderer →
FAQ
The malicious code can lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to access sensitive information stored on the affected computer.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
Immediately uninstall the package and rotate any secrets or keys stored on the affected system.
Currently, there is no patched version available for the compromised package. Users are advised to remove it entirely.
Vulert monitors and alerts users in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities using just the package-lock.json file, ensuring that your applications remain secure.