Critical Malicious Code Vulnerability in @posthog/icons Package
Summary
MAL-2025-191292: Malicious code in @posthog/icons (npm). Affects @posthog/icons versions 0.36.1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The @posthog/icons package is a popular npm library used for providing a set of icons for PostHog applications. It is widely utilized in web development to enhance user interfaces with visually appealing icons. However, this package has recently been compromised, making it vulnerable to severe security threats.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability originates from the Sha1-Hulud: The Second Coming NPM worm, which has infected the @posthog/icons package. This malicious code is designed to steal sensitive tokens and credentials from users, subsequently publishing them to GitHub. The worm can propagate itself to other npm packages owned by the user and establish persistence through a GitHub action. Additionally, it poses a risk of destroying the user's home directory, leading to significant data loss.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall @posthog/iconsIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can remove the @posthog/icons package from their project until a secure version is released. This can be done using the command: npm uninstall @posthog/icons. Additionally, consider using alternative icon libraries that are not affected by this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The @posthog/icons package has been compromised by a malicious worm that poses significant security risks to users. It is essential to take immediate action by updating or removing the package to safeguard your applications. Regular monitoring for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert can help maintain security.
See every vulnerability recorded for @posthog/icons →
FAQ
The vulnerability involves malicious code that steals user tokens and credentials, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Check your application using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner without any signup.
If you have installed the compromised version, it is crucial to uninstall the package immediately and update to a secure version as soon as it is available.
Yes, the worm can propagate itself to other npm packages owned by the user, increasing the risk of widespread compromise.
The potential consequences include unauthorized access to sensitive data, loss of user credentials, and possible destruction of the user's home directory.
